Schwandner Expands MAX810 Fleet for Wind Tower Transport

30 Second Takeaway

P. Schwandner Logistik + Transport GmbH is using eight MAX Trailer MAX810 semi low loaders to transport concrete tower sections for a wind farm project, with six additional units set to expand the fleet to 14. The extendable trailers are moving concrete half shells across country roads, motorways and narrow forest routes. A forced steering system, remotely controlled 17.5 inch pendle axles and an axle stroke of 600 millimetres provide the manoeuvrability and stability required for the oversized transports.

• 

• 

• 

Eight MAX810 Trailers Support Wind Farm Construction

German heavy transport company P. Schwandner Logistik + Transport GmbH has deployed a fleet of eight MAX810 semi low loaders for the transport of large concrete wind turbine tower sections. The components are being moved from their production facility to a wind farm construction site using a route that combines country roads, motorways and narrow forest roads.

Each concrete component is transported on an extendable MAX810 configured to provide the loading length, payload capacity and steering performance required for the journey.

The trailers operate in two vehicle convoys, allowing Schwandner to maintain a coordinated flow of components between the manufacturing location and construction site. Six additional MAX810 units are set to join the company, increasing its planned fleet of the model from eight to 14 trailers.

Concrete Half Shells Form Lower Tower Sections

The wind farm will contain 10 hybrid wind turbines, each reaching a completed height of approximately 179 metres. A hybrid wind turbine tower uses more than one construction material. For this project, the lower sections are assembled from heavy concrete components, while steel sections form the upper part of each tower.

Rather than transporting each lower tower level as a complete circular ring, the concrete sections are moved as half shells. The sections can then be assembled at the construction site to create the required tower geometry. Dividing the tower into transportable sections helps manage component width and weight, but the loads remain oversized and require specialised trailers, route planning and escort arrangements.

The delivery programme must also remain aligned with the erection sequence. Concrete sections need to reach the site in the correct order so they can be assembled without unnecessary handling or storage.

Loading Begins With a Mobile Gantry Crane

Each tower section is loaded onto the MAX810 using a mobile gantry crane at the production facility. The gantry lifts the concrete half shell clear of its supports and lowers it onto the trailer at the specified position.

Correct load placement is essential because it affects axle loading, kingpin load, vehicle stability and the overall length of the combination. Once the component is positioned, the transport team secures it using the approved restraint arrangement. Final checks confirm the load dimensions, trailer extension, axle configuration and transport height before departure.

The vehicles leave during an overnight transport window, when reduced traffic levels provide more suitable conditions for moving oversized loads.

Extendable Deck Accommodates Oversized Components

The MAX810 uses an extendable loading platform that can be adjusted for long cargo.

The model is available with six or seven axle lines, while the loading platform can be supplied in a single or double extendable configuration.

For wind tower transport, extending the deck allows the trailer to support the length of the concrete half shell while positioning the load appropriately across the available axle groups.

A longer trailer creates its own operating challenges. The extended combination requires additional space when negotiating junctions, roundabouts and motorway exits. Its steering system must therefore coordinate the trailer axles with the tractor’s movement to limit off tracking and keep the load within the planned swept path.

Forced Steering Supports Confined Route Sections

The MAX810’s forced steering system is central to the Schwandner transport operation.

Unlike a rigid axle arrangement, forced steering actively controls the direction of the trailer wheels in relation to the tractor and trailer geometry.

This reduces the space required for the combination to negotiate turns and helps keep the rear of the extended trailer aligned with the intended route.

Jakob Stuiber, transport manager at Schwandner, said: 

“When manoeuvring, the forced steering system ensures absolute precision. The remote controlled steering of the 17.5 inch pendle axles is extremely practical in every situation.”

Remote control allows the transport team to make additional steering adjustments during low speed manoeuvring. This is particularly useful on forest roads and at construction site entrances, where conventional steering geometry alone might not provide the required wheel position.

Stability Through Motorway Exits and Curves

According to Schwandner, the steering system also contributes to stable handling at motorway exits and other challenging sections, including when the loading platform is fully extended. Long transport combinations react differently from standard vehicles when moving through changes in direction. Steering inputs must account for the tractor, trailer pivot points, deck extension and position of the load. A controlled axle response helps reduce unwanted lateral movement and keeps the trailer following the planned path.

Stuiber added: 

“This stability, combined with the forced steering system, is exactly what makes the difference in daily operations.”

The steering system supports the driver and transport team, but it remains one part of a broader operation that includes route surveys, swept path analysis, permits, escort vehicles and communication between convoy personnel.

Pendle Axles Adapt to Changing Road Conditions

The MAX810 is equipped with 17.5 inch pendle axles designed for high load transport and uneven operating surfaces. Each pendle axle allows the wheels to oscillate relative to the trailer frame. This helps the tyres remain in contact with the ground as the combination crosses changes in road level.

The axle system provides:

• Up to 600 millimetres of vertical stroke

• A steering angle of up to 60 degrees

• A low loading height of approximately 800 millimetres

• Remote control of selected hydraulic functions

• Adjustment of driving height and alignment

Hydraulic axle compensation helps distribute the load across the trailer while allowing the vehicle to adapt to gradients, crests and uneven access roads. The low deck height is also important for wind tower transport because large concrete sections can create substantial overall transport heights. Actual dimensions and capacities depend on the selected trailer configuration, axle layout and national operating requirements.

Final Route Passes Through Forest Roads

The final section of the journey takes the transport combinations away from the motorway network and onto narrow forest roads leading to the wind farm. These roads typically present a different set of challenges from the earlier stages of the route. Available width can be restricted by trees, drainage channels, embankments and temporary construction boundaries.

Tighter curves and changing ground levels also require close control of both the tractor and trailer. Remote steering allows personnel positioned outside the cab to observe wheel clearances and guide the rear axle groups through the most restricted sections.

The pendle axle suspension can also assist as the trailer crosses uneven surfaces or transitions between road gradients.

Road conditions, weather and ground strength must be monitored throughout the delivery programme because they can change the available clearance and stability of the combination.

Two Vehicle Convoys Maintain Delivery Flow

Schwandner is operating the MAX810 trailers in two unit convoys during the overnight transport window. Coordinated convoy movement allows escort teams and traffic management resources to support two loads during the same operating period.

It can also help maintain the component delivery sequence at the wind farm.

The spacing between the combinations must account for braking distance, road geometry, public traffic and the need for each vehicle to negotiate restricted areas independently.

At particularly difficult junctions, the first combination may need to clear the manoeuvre completely before the second vehicle can proceed. Transport personnel remain in communication throughout the route to coordinate speed, stopping points and steering assistance.

Additional Trailers Expand Future Capacity

Schwandner currently operates eight MAX810 units on the transport programme and plans to add six more. The expanded fleet will give the company a total of 14 MAX810 semi low loaders once all planned units have entered service. The additional capacity can support higher delivery volumes and allow more trailers to remain assigned to long term wind energy or heavy component projects.

A larger fleet of standardised trailers can also simplify operator training, maintenance planning, spare parts management and interchangeability between transport assignments.

Beyond wind tower sections, the MAX810 is designed for applications involving construction machinery, bridge components, industrial equipment and other long or heavy loads.

About the MAX810

The MAX810 is a modular semi low loader manufactured by MAX Trailer.

Its loading platform is available with six or seven axles and can be configured as either single extendable or double extendable. The trailer can be coupled directly to its gooseneck or combined with a two or three axle front bogie, depending on the required configuration.

Principal features include:

• Six or seven axle loading platforms

• Single or double extension options

• Forced hydraulic steering

• 17.5 inch pendle axles

• Up to 600 millimetres of axle stroke

• Steering angles of up to 60 degrees

• A loading height of approximately 800 millimetres

• Radio remote control for hydraulic functions

• A hydraulically raised and lowered gooseneck

• A stated technical fifth wheel load of up to 38 tonnes

The gooseneck is designed for use with suitable 6 by 4 or 8 by 4 tractor units.

Trailer capacity and permitted axle loads vary according to the complete vehicle configuration, national regulations, operating speed and route conditions.

Product website: MAX810 Semi Low Loader

Hybrid Towers Increase Transport Requirements

Hybrid towers allow wind turbine developers to combine the properties of concrete and steel within one structure. Concrete lower sections can support the loads created by taller towers and larger turbines, while steel upper sections reduce weight higher in the structure.

This approach creates a substantial logistics programme because each turbine requires several tower components to be transported from production to the construction site.

Deliveries must be coordinated with foundation completion, crane availability and tower assembly. For this project, the 10 turbines and their approximate 179 metre completed height require repeated transport cycles using the Schwandner MAX810 fleet.

About P. Schwandner Logistik + Transport

P. Schwandner Logistik + Transport GmbH is a German specialised transport and logistics company headquartered in Pfreimd, Bavaria. Established in 1991, the company provides abnormal load, heavy haul and logistics services across Germany and international markets.

Schwandner works with partner company Trans Ost Logistik GmbH to coordinate a fleet of approximately 200 low loaders and special purpose vehicles in Germany.

The business employs around 300 people and provides transport services for:

• Wind turbine components

• Construction machinery

• Agricultural equipment

• Industrial machinery

• Transformers

• Heavy and oversized cargo

Its fleet includes semi low loaders, low loaders, modular axle lines, wind blade trailers, tower transport systems and escort vehicles. Schwandner states that its transport capacity extends to loads weighing up to 500 tonnes, depending on the selected equipment and project conditions.

Company website: www.schwandner-logistik.de

About MAX Trailer

MAX Trailer manufactures standardised special transport vehicles for construction, heavy haul, industrial, wind energy and equipment transport applications. The company’s product range includes semi low loaders, low loaders, platform trailers and specialised vehicle configurations with payload capacities ranging from approximately 15 to 123 tonnes.

MAX Trailer operates as part of the Faymonville Group, alongside Faymonville, Cometto and other specialised transport equipment brands.

The MAX Trailer range is manufactured in Europe and distributed through an international sales and service network.

Company website: www.maxtrailer.eu

About the Faymonville Group

The Faymonville Group develops and manufactures trailers, modular transport systems and self propelled vehicles for specialised road and industrial transport. Its brands cover equipment ranging from standardised semi low loaders to modular trailers and SPMTs used for loads weighing several thousand tonnes. The group serves construction, wind energy, heavy industry, crane transport, shipbuilding, aerospace and project logistics markets.

Company website: www.faymonville.group

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schwandner transporting?

Schwandner is transporting large concrete half shells used to build the lower sections of hybrid wind turbine towers.

How many MAX810 trailers are currently being used?

The company is using eight MAX810 semi low loaders for the transport programme.

How many additional trailers will join the fleet?

Schwandner plans to add six more units, taking its intended MAX810 fleet to 14.

How are the tower sections loaded?

The concrete components are loaded onto the trailers using a mobile gantry crane.

When do the transports take place?

The combinations depart during an approved overnight transport window.

How are the vehicles organised?

The trailers travel in two vehicle convoys between the production facility and wind farm.

What type of route is involved?

The route combines country roads, motorways and narrow forest roads leading to the construction site.

What steering system does the MAX810 use?

The trailer uses a forced steering system with remote control of its 17.5 inch pendle axles during manoeuvring.

How much axle stroke does the MAX810 provide?

The pendle axle system provides up to 600 millimetres of stroke.

How tall will the completed turbines be?

The 10 hybrid wind turbines will reach heights of approximately 179 metres.