Bolk Transport BV Almelo have recently taken delivery of two Mercedes-Benz Arocs SLT tractor units. Both will be deployed for the international transportation of heavy wind turbine components.

The two Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4163 SLT tractors with Turbo Retarder Clutch (TRC) have been provided with a register coupling at the front and a trailer coupling on the rear side, both for 250 tonnes. The trucks are provided with a cooling unit that makes it possible to draw up to 250 tons.

Furthermore special tyres and suspension make it possible for the operator to transport heavy wind turbine components – even with a slope of 14-18% – such as when riding on and off dikes. Joop Savenije, commercial and operational director of Bolk Transport, said: “A major advantage of the Arocs tractors is the Turbo Retarder-link, allowing us to safely and accurately manoeuvre (to the centimeter) loads of 150 to 200 tons, without harmful heating or cause wear.” The TRC combines the advantages of hydrodynamics with the comfort of an automatic gearbox. The TRC is especially suitable for heavy loads, sensitive and wear-free to drive away to an available torque of 3,000 Nm. All this not only improves ride comfort, but is associated with a lower fuel consumption than a traditional torque converter solution.