6 Axle B-Train Widener

MTE completed this 6 Axle B-Train for Al-Tranz, designed as a versatile transport combination for moving machinery, equipment and containers throughout New Zealand.

The combination consists of a 3 Axle Drop Deck front unit and 3 Axle Deck Widening rear unit, giving Al-Tranz the flexibility of two complementary platforms within a single B-Train. Both units feature full steel decks, air suspension and Knorr EBS braking, while the rear trailer can hydraulically widen from 2,490mm to 3,100mm for larger machinery.  

Key Specifications

Configuration: 6 Axle B-Train – 3 Axle Front + 3 Axle Rear
Front Unit GVM: 35,000kg
Rear Unit GVM: 35,000kg
Deck Width: 2,490mm
Rear Deck Width – Open: 3,100mm
Front Top Deck Length: 4,030mm
Front Bottom Deck Length: 4,718mm
Rear Deck Length: 9,198mm
Deck Construction: Full steel with anti-slip grit finish
Axles: Alion 17.5" outboard
Suspension: K-Hitch air suspension
Brakes: Knorr EBS
Rear Ramps: 2,700mm × 1,000mm hydraulic
Hydraulic Supply: 12V onboard power pack
Wheels: Polished 17.5" alloy
Tyres: Michelin 215/17.5"    

3 Axle Drop Deck Front Unit

The front trailer features a drop-deck configuration, with a 4,030mm top deck and 4,718mm bottom deck, providing two usable loading levels within the B-Train combination.

A full-width pneumatic pop-up ramp connects the bottom and top decks, allowing machinery to be driven between the two levels and making better use of the available deck space.  

The front unit is also fitted with a sliding semi-oscillating JOST fifth wheel, forming the connection point for the rear trailer.  

3 Axle Widening Rear Unit

The rear trailer provides the combination's main machinery loading platform, with a 9,198mm-long deck that hydraulically widens from 2,490mm to 3,100mm.

This allows the B-Train to accommodate wider earthmoving and construction machinery when required, while returning to a standard road-going width when unloaded.

The rear deck also incorporates full-width cleats up the beavertail, providing additional traction as tracked and wheeled equipment transitions onto the main deck.

Custom Al-Tranz Finish

The finished B-Train carries a strong Al-Tranz fleet appearance, with LCL Blue across the main structure and Ice White coaming rails, bumper and ramps. The decks are finished with a blue-tinted anti-slip coating.

Stainless-steel infill panels are fitted between the axles with custom Al-Tranz logos cut into each panel, adding another distinctive detail to the build.