Goldhofer MPA Low-Loader Delivers Heavy Equipment to 3,000 m Alpine Construction Site

30 Second Takeaway

A Goldhofer »MPA« 3 low-loader semi-trailer has enabled Walter Keil Transporte und Erdbewegungen GmbH & Co. KG to safely transport heavy construction equipment to a site below the summit of the Kitzsteinhorn in Austria, at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. The operation highlighted the importance of manoeuvrability, stability and suspension performance when operating in extreme alpine terrain.

Heavy Transport in Extreme Alpine Conditions

The transport task involved delivering excavators, dump trucks and other heavy equipment to a high-altitude construction site accessed via narrow, winding mountain roads. Alpine terrain, steep gradients and tight bends posed significant challenges for conventional semi-trailers.

Walter Keil Transporte und Erdbewegungen GmbH & Co. KG, based in Mittersill, Austria, is well known for operating in demanding environments. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company is now managed by the second generation, under Heidi Keil, and has grown into a major Austrian civil engineering and transport specialist.

The business operates a fleet of approximately 100 construction machines and 50 trucks, supported by nearly 200 employees, delivering services ranging from earthworks and road construction to lifting operations and material extraction.

Operator Experience Drives Equipment Choice

Experienced driver Andi Brennsteiner, who has worked with the Keil company for more than 25 years, played a key role in the decision to invest in the Goldhofer »MPA« low-loader.

Drawing on decades of experience transporting equipment to mountain construction sites,

Brennsteiner explained:

“Our other semi-trailers quickly reached their limits when it came to the manoeuvrability required for such tight bends.”

The decisive factor was the 60-degree steering angle offered by the »MPA« axle system, which provided the flexibility required to negotiate narrow alpine roads safely.

Designed for Mountain Terrain

According to Brennsteiner, mountain transport places unique demands on equipment:

“In most cases, unloading points high up in the mountains are not on level ground, and loading and unloading are carried out on an incline. So the low-loader has to be short, manoeuvrable, flexible, safe and robust, but also relatively light, while the mountain terrain also calls for a large steering angle and suspension stroke.”

Once at the site, the excavator was safely unloaded despite uneven ground and limited space.

Precision Unloading with SmartControl

Using Goldhofer’s »SmartControl« system and the semi-trailer’s ±350 mm suspension stroke, the Keil team was able to precisely position the load for unloading, even on steep and uneven terrain.

Brennsteiner highlighted the harsh conditions encountered at altitude:

“It’s a very steep climb, and sometimes the winds on the mountain are so strong that it takes all my strength to open the door of the cab, and I have to keep a firm hold of it, or the wind will tear it off its hinges.”

Tailored Engineering Support

Levin Gonser, Regional Sales Manager at Goldhofer, emphasised the importance of close customer collaboration:

“Our goal has always been to offer customers the best product for their specific requirements. We attach great importance to close consultation to ensure we are familiar with our customers’ typical loads and terrain challenges.”

For Keil, this resulted in the integration of a sliding table on the extension tube, which can be locked in multiple positions particularly beneficial for transporting four-axle dump trucks.

Bernd Rodlberger of Walter Keil Transporte und Erdbewegungen added:

“With the experience and knowledge of our employees, we are confident that this Goldhofer low-loader is the perfect choice for our requirements.”

About Walter Keil Transporte und Erdbewegungen GmbH & Co. KG

Walter Keil Transporte und Erdbewegungen GmbH & Co. KG is an Austrian civil engineering and transport company specialising in earthworks, road and dam construction, trenching, heavy transport and lifting operations. Founded over 50 years ago and now operating under second-generation leadership, the company is known for its expertise in challenging alpine environments.

About Goldhofer

Goldhofer AG is a global manufacturer of heavy transport and special transport solutions, including low-loaders, modular trailers and airport technology. Known for engineering excellence and customer-focused solutions, Goldhofer equipment is widely used in infrastructure, construction, energy and heavy industry projects worldwide.

Visit website: https://www.goldhofer.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the transport operation take place?

Below the summit of the Kitzsteinhorn in Austria, at an altitude of over 3,000 metres.

What equipment was transported?

Excavators, dump trucks and other heavy construction machinery.

Which trailer was used?

A Goldhofer »MPA« 3 low-loader semi-trailer.

Why was the »MPA« selected?

Its 60-degree steering angle, compact design and large suspension stroke make it ideal for narrow alpine roads and uneven terrain.

What technology supported unloading?

Goldhofer’s SmartControl system combined with a ±350 mm suspension stroke.