4R4 Widener

MTE recently completed this 4 Rows of 4 Full Widener for Fulton Hogan, purpose-built as a versatile heavy machinery transporter for their New Zealand operations.

While based on MTE’s proven 4R4 Widener platform, this unit incorporates several features specifically configured around Fulton Hogan’s requirements, including wide axle spacing, 4.65m bi-fold loading ramps and an extensive range of integrated storage options.

With a 50,000kg GVM and a deck capable of hydraulically widening from 2.5m to 3.6m, the finished trailer provides a highly adaptable platform for moving construction and earthmoving machinery between projects.

Key Specifications

Configuration: 4 Rows of 4 Full Widener
GVM: 50,000kg
Deck Length: 10,385mm
Deck Length Behind Neck: 9,465mm
Deck Width – Closed: 2,500mm
Deck Width – Open: 3,600mm
Deck Ride Height: 920mm
Load Angle: Approx. 7°
Deck: Full high-tensile steel with 18mm Trans-Tex 220 plywood overlay
Top Deck: 3,900mm × 2,500mm
Axles: MTW 17.5" drum brake axles
Axle Spacing: 1,200mm – 2,400mm – 1,200mm
Suspension: MTE hydraulic suspension
Gooseneck: Fixed
Rub Plate: Fixed two-position
Main Ramps: 4,650mm × 1,000mm double-fold ramps
Top Deck Ramps: 1,800mm pull-out steel ramps
Hydraulic Supply: Truck hydraulics

Wide Axle Spacing

One of the key features of this build is its 1,200mm – 2,400mm – 1,200mm axle spacing.

The large 2.4m centre spacing creates additional room between the second and third axles, which has also been utilised for storage and the trailer’s main hydraulic controls.
The trailer runs on MTE hydraulic suspension, with pneumatic axle retraction locks fitted to the first and last axles. This allows the outer axles to be retracted when required.

4.65m Bi-Fold Loading Ramps

At the rear, Fulton Hogan specified a pair of substantial 4,650mm-long × 1,000mm-wide double-fold ramps.

The additional ramp length, combined with the trailer’s beavertail, produces an approximate 7-degree loading angle, making the trailer well suited to machinery where ground clearance or approach angle can be a limiting factor.

The ramps feature full-width anti-slip plywood, along with 250mm-wide cleats running up their outer edges for additional traction. When folded, the bi-fold design keeps the overall ramp package more compact for road travel.

A further pair of 1.8m pull-out ramps stored beneath the top deck allows machinery and equipment to utilise the 3.9m-long upper deck.

Extensive Onboard Storage

Storage was another major consideration with this build, with space incorporated throughout the trailer for chains, load restraint equipment and other gear.

The trailer features two 900mm toolboxes, positioned between the second and third axles, along with three 900mm and one 500mm open chain bins fitted beneath the coaming rails ahead of the first axle.

Another two chain bins are built directly into the front section of the main decks, while two further lidded chain bins are incorporated into the front corners of the top deck.

This gives the operator multiple dedicated storage locations across the trailer rather than relying on a single central toolbox.

Built for Machinery Transport

The main deck hydraulically widens from 2,500mm to 3,600mm, allowing the platform to be adjusted around different machinery widths. At its normal 920mm ride height, the combination of the low deck and shallow loading angle also helps manage overall transport height.

Load restraint is extensive, with 14 coaming rail tie points per side on the bottom deck, six per side on the top deck and 18 Figure-8 anchor points incorporated into the main deck. Ship-lock pockets also allow a loaded 20ft container to be carried when required.

A 48-point centralised automatic greasing system services the suspension and brakes, reducing the amount of routine manual greasing required.

Customer: Fulton Hogan

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