New Goldhofer system enables "nacelles" to corner perfectly

Goldhofer AG and Danish haulier of wind power plants, Torben Rafn & Co. A/S, have further developed an existing vehicle system that will cause a sensation in the market: With a vehicle combination designed for 100 ton payloads, tower segments and turbines (nacelles) can be transported even more efficiently and cost-effectively. The vehicle system with nine to eleven axles comprises (depending on national regulations) a "freely rotating" dolly with two, three or four axles, a type RA3 tower adapter as well as a trailer with seven axles. This transportation system is already in use in Denmark.

"This system once again represents a great coup: When transporting nacelles it is now possible to slew the cargo freely between the bogies. Roundabouts and bends no longer present a problem when transporting tower segments and nacelles" said Stefan Fuchs, C.E.O. of Goldhofer AG. The enthusiasm in Denmark is equally great. Haulage companies principal Torben Rafn speaks of "huge advantages compared with other systems" and has proudly named his new acquisition "futtog",- a Danish expression for an articulated (road) train that can negotiate even the tightest of corners.

If the spacers are exchanged, the RA 3 tower adapter can even be used for different vehicle combinations and different swing radii. By raising and lowering the adapter, the haulier can drive over obstacles and under barriers. The adapter makes the transport of payloads up to 100 tonnes possible and it can be raised up to three metres.
The co-operation between Goldhofer and Torben Rafn is a special kind of recipe for success. The German manufacturer of HGV trailers, heavy duty transport systems and aircraft tractors and the Danish transportation professionals have been partners for more than two decades and have already revolutionised global markets with innovative solutions in the past. In 2009, Goldhofer - based in Germany's Allgaeu region - developed a novel bridge system which enables the simplified transportation of the V90 (2-MW nacelle Mk6 and Mk7) made by Vestas Wind Systems A/S, the world's largest manufacturer of wind power plants. The product was developed in close co-operation with Torben Rafn and Vestas engineers. In 1991, the Danish hauliers were the very first to commission Goldhofer's first tower adapter for the transportation of tower segments.

About Goldhofer AG
The history of Goldhofer AG can be traced back to 1705. Today, Goldhofer AG is a leading supplier of semitrailers, heavy-duty transport systems and aircraft tractors, employing over 600 staff worldwide. To date, the heavy load specialist has supplied more than 32,000 heavy-load vehicles to more than 70 nations.

Torben Rafn & Co. A/S with its headquarters in Sommersted, Denmark, relies consistently on German quality manufacturer Goldhofer AG for the transportation of heavy cargos. The haulage firm's day-to-day business is international specialised transportation. It has become hard to imagine roads in Europe without Rafn vehicles which are now seen also in the Middle East and Africa. The Danes are among genuine pioneers in this area of transportation. The haulage expert now has a transport capacity of more than 3,000 tonnes.