SafeNeck for RoRo tractors

The solution for higher capacity demands.

With the development of the SafeNeck® the safe working capacity of a RoRo tractor can be increased considerably. It is the answer to the needs in the market for a system to handle heavier loads on vessel ramps in a safe way.

The SafeNeck® is attached to the tractor by means of a separate coupling in the conventional fifth wheel elevating boom. This coupling is placed in front of the existing fifth wheel with the attachment pivot approximately 950 mm above ground level. This reduces the ‘tipping-back’ effect on the tractor by 200-300% in comparison with a conventional gooseneck system. Adequate load is transferred to the tractor front axle to improve overall stability. In order to lift the Rolltrailer, the SafeNeck® is equipped with an hydraulic cylinder, which controls the angle of the SafeNeck® tongue.

Multifunctional

The lock-up construction of the SafeNeck® in the lift boom of the tractor can be fitted to existing tractors. These tractors can be used in a multifunctional way, whereby (high volume) trailers can be handled, conventional RoRo cargo can be transported and SafeNeck® applications can be handled. This allows the use of one multifunctional tractor for a variety of applications with very rapid switching between the applications. Terberg has patented the SafeNeck® system.

Practical tests

In the second half of 1999 the SafeNeck® system has been thoroughly tested at B.L.G. in Bremerhafen – Germany. The prototype SafeNeck® was provided with strain gauges and pressure sensors to define the forces on the “neck”. Data was collected during operation with a PC based data acquisition system, and the following signals were recorded at a rate of 300 times/s:

• Tractor frontaxle load
• SafeNeck® rolling moment
• SafeNeck® pull and push forces
• Neck material stress
• SafeNeck® coupling load

This information was essential in defining the strength of the SafeNeck® and it proved the effectiveness of the system. It enabled us to reduce the development and test phase considerable so that the SafeNeck® is available for full production from the beginning of the year 2000.