Published on 2. November 2023.
Colossus Logistics receives individually planned train
Truck with loading crane and tandem trailer
Located near the German capital Berlin, the family-run company Colossus Logistics GmbH & Co. KG has established itself as one of the leading providers of large-capacity and heavy-duty transport logistics in the Berlin-Brandenburg region. With an impressive fleet of heavy-duty trucks and a highly qualified team of 50 employees, Colossus is one of the top addresses around our capital. The transport solutions and services offered include all modes of transport and range from obtaining the necessary permits to the timely provision of loading equipment. With a completely new train, consisting of a truck from Mercedes-Benz with a loading crane from MKG including an ES-GE tandem trailer, we have contributed our part to the sustainable growth of our customer’s fleet.
Contact during BAUMA
The starting point for the joint implementation of the project was the intensive personal exchange between Mr. Pietack from Colossus and our Mr. Korsch at last year’s BAUMA. Thanks to our many years of experience in procects with crane vehicles, we were able to convince the managing director of Colossus about our portfolio and our range of services during the trade fair. Despite all the complexity, the final details were quickly clarified after the trade fair.
Planning is essential when building a crane vehicle
Planning a truck with a platform and loading crane generally requires careful consideration and is very complex due to various challenges. The first priority is the individual requirements of each customer, because each area of application has its own special characteristics. Planning therefore requires precise knowledge of the future area of application. As part of the planning, parameters come into play such as the weight distribution, performance and range of the crane as well as the remaining payload of the vehicle and the possible total train weight. So delivering the whole train makes it a lot more comfortable!
Mercedes-Benz ACTROS 2546 L NR 6X2
The basic chassis of the truck with loading crane and platform body is a chassis from Mercedes-Benz with type ACTROS 2546 L NR 6X2. It is powered by an engine with an output of 335 kW (455 hp). The complete drive unit including gearbox is suitable for everyday tasks, but also for demanding routes in the professional transport and logistics industry. Configured in detail and according to customer requirements, including the corresponding special paint, the vehicle has numerous assistance systems that support the driver in everyday life: ESP, Lane Keeping Assist, Distance Keeping Assist, Attention Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, Active Brake Assist 5, Active Sideguard Assist. Of course, cruise control shouldn’t be missing either.
Low-profile platform body
Behind the comfortably equipped StreamSpace driver’s cab, a low-profile container platform body was placed on the chassis. The open building material platform body is equipped with approx. 600 mm high aluminum side walls and offers the option of holding containers using pull-out and fully retractable locks. The loading area of the completely hot-dip galvanized substructure was covered over a large area with screen-printed panels. Eyelets and other lashing options in the frame profile serve as an option for securing loads.
Loading crane HLK 531HPa5 from MKG
The heart of the new unit in the Colossus fleet is the loading crane at the rear of the truck. We have been working with MKG for many years and are completely convinced of the performance of this crane type given the requirements profile of Colossus. The powerful hydraulic system of the loading crane, called HLK 531HPa5, enables precise and reliable control of the lifting functions. In the configuration used, the device offers a maximum range of approx. 14.25 m when extended. The manufacturer specifies the maximum slewing torque of the endlessly slewing loading crane as 41,000 Nm.
Hardware and software in harmony
As an additional feature, the crane offers a high-speed cable winch with a pulling force of up to 4,000 kg. To ensure that everything runs smoothly in the long term, a central lubrication system was installed directly on the HLK 531HPa5. Like the vehicle, the crane also has assistance systems that make operation easier and increase operational safety. ACS3 and ACS3 PLUS record, among other things, the support distances and the inclination in order to ensure optimal crane utilization and, if necessary, adjust the lifting performance. The loading crane can be conveniently controlled with a battery-operated radio remote control.
ES-GE tandem trailer for Colossus
The train is completed by an ES-GE tandem trailer, which, like the ACTROS, also has container locks. The pull-out container locks are suitable for holding a 3,000 mm wide 20-foot container. In addition to these, holes for tension straps, lashing rings and stakes offer the possibility of securing loads against slipping. Practical but also an eye-catcher: the four stainless steel tool boxes that were installed between and behind the axles. To match the shine of the toolboxes, the external steel rims were swapped for aluminum rims from Alcoa.
Tandem trailer with numerous options
The air-suspended trailer only weighs around 4,300 kg and offers a technically possible payload of around 16,180 kg. The load can be stored on the approx. 6,550 mm long loading area. The drawbar offers the possibility of adjusting the total length of the trailer within a range of approx. 600 mm (6 x 100mm). The trailer also has an extension at the rear, which can be used to extend the loading area by approx. 800 mm while maintaining the technically maximum possible loads. At the end of the options list there are two additional ramps that can be placed underneath the loading floor in a dedicated ramp shelf when not in use.
Once again we are pleased that expertise from the heart of the Ruhr area is being recognized nationwide and that a powerful and at the same time truly beautiful train has been created in close collaboration with our partners. There is much to suggest that our complete package was convincing, as plans are currently underway for an identical train. This is one of the reasons why we wish the Colossus team a safe journey at all times.
