MTE recently completed this 3 Rows of 8 Lightweight Linkwing for Rex Andrews, purpose-built for a major wind farm project in New Zealand.
Paired with Rex Andrews’ Volvo FH16 Tri-Drive, this is a particularly impressive and uncommon combination for the New Zealand heavy haulage industry. The trailer has been specifically configured for the project, combining an 85,000kg GVW, hydraulic widening deck and MTE hydraulic suspension in a lightweight 3R8 package.
Key Specifications
Configuration: 3 Rows of 8 Lightweight Linkwing
GVW: 85,000kg – NZ
Overall Deck Length: 10,990mm
Deck Length Behind Gooseneck: 9,900mm
Deck Width: 2,500mm closed / 3,700mm open
Locking Widths: 2.5m / 2.8m / 3.1m / 3.5m / 3.7m
Deck Ride Height: 950mm
Deck Lowered Height: 820mm
Deck Raised Height: 1,060mm
Deck Construction: 690MPa high-tensile steel with fully enclosed 6mm deck
Axles: MTE 17.5" 10-stud outboard drum axles
Axle Spacing: 1,830mm
Suspension: MTE hydraulic ball-type suspension
Gooseneck: Fixed height
Skid Plate: Sliding oscillating with pneumatic locks
Kingpin: MTE 90mm drop-in
Ramps: 2,700mm × 900mm hydraulic ramps
Hydraulic Power: Onboard 5.5HP diesel power pack
Purpose-Built for the Wind Farm Project
This isn't an off-the-shelf 3R8. The trailer features a custom 10,990mm overall deck length and has been configured specifically around Rex Andrews’ requirements for its New Zealand operations.
The Linkwing deck can be hydraulically widened through five locking positions from 2.5m through to 3.7m, providing the flexibility required when dealing with large and unusual loads. Hydraulic suspension also allows the deck height to vary from 820mm lowered through to 1,060mm raised, providing additional flexibility when manoeuvring and positioning loads.
Equipped for Specialist Heavy Haulage
Extensive load restraint provisions include Figure 8 lashings, lashings at each cross member, heavy-duty chain lugs, recessed dunnage lashings and ship-lock pockets for a 20ft container.
The trailer is self-contained hydraulically, with an onboard 5.5HP diesel power pack operating the widening system, suspension and hydraulic loading ramps. Load indication gauges are incorporated for the left and right suspension circuits.
Provision has also been made for both New Zealand and Australian oversize signage, reflecting the specialised nature of Rex Andrews’ trans-Tasman heavy haulage operations.
Customer: Rex Andrews
A Rare Combination for New Zealand
Paired with the Volvo FH16 Tri-Drive, this 3R8 Lightweight Linkwing creates a combination rarely seen on New Zealand roads.
Purpose-built for Rex Andrews’ work on a North Island wind farm project, the combination brings together an 85-tonne trailer rating, 3.7m widening deck, hydraulic suspension and specialised heavy-haulage capability for some of the country's more demanding transport tasks.
Finished in Rex Andrews’ Holly Green, it is a distinctive addition to their New Zealand operation and another example of MTE engineering equipment around a highly specialised transport requirement.
