TRT Turns Hanes Transport’s Trailer Concept into Road-Ready Capability

OVERVIEW

Hanes Transport worked with TRT to turn a specialist trailer concept into a 3-axle widening forklift semi-trailer for long-haul machinery moves.

The trailer gives Hanes a low road deck height, widening capability and full-size wheel setup for moving taller equipment with fewer transport compromises.

500mm

Deck height on the road

3-axle

Widening forklift semi-trailer configuration

20-tonne

Payload currently permitted

2730mm to 3880mm

Road width and loading width

SITUATION

Hanes Transport, based in Horotiu, specialises in moving new and used machinery across New Zealand.

Director Simon Hanes saw an opportunity to improve long-haul moves for taller machinery, including reach stackers and large forklifts.

He wanted a low deck height without relying on small wheel trailer compromises.

The trailer needed to suit real road work, site loading and the varied machinery Hanes moves for customers.

CHALLENGE

The trailer had to carry useful weight, sit low on the road and still use full-size wheels with Super Single tyres.

It also needed to widen for loading, so machinery such as 14-tonne diggers and 12-tonne forklifts could be driven on.

For Hanes customers, the practical goal was clear.

Where possible, taller equipment needed to move without partial disassembly to meet height limits.

SOLUTION

TRT worked with Hanes Transport to bring the trailer concept into a buildable technical solution.

The result was a 3-axle widening forklift semi-trailer with independent rear axles and cassette-style packaging.

The trailer has a 500mm deck height on the road.

It measures 2730mm wide on the road and 3880mm wide when set up for loading.

The widening process is controlled by push button.

This gives Hanes a practical way to load machinery while keeping the trailer suited to longer road moves.

MADE POSSIBLE:

The finished trailer gives Hanes Transport a sharper tool for tall machinery moves across New Zealand.

Its low deck height gives the team more room to manage overall load height.

Pete Cunliffe has pointed to one clear customer benefit.

On a move from Christchurch to New Plymouth, Hanes transported a 10-tonne forklift with a 4.7m mast and kept the load under 4.8m.

That meant the customer avoided the cost and delay of removing and refitting the mast.

The trailer has also drawn interest on site when the team widens it for loading.

The source confirms the trailer is currently permitted for a 20-tonne payload.

It also notes that future permit changes had not been confirmed at the time of publication.