At the end of 2023, trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull acquired significant shares in Berger Fahrzeugtechnik from Austria, a specialist in lightweight vehicles also known as Berger ecotrail, as part of a strategic partnership. Together, the two companies are now leveraging their expertise to offer efficient transport solutions in Europe and more widely market the Berger lightweight trailers through the SC network. This is supported by, among other things, the service network and the TrailerConnect telematics from Schmitz-Cargobull. Since then, the offering from the North Rhine-Westphalian trailer and semi-trailer specialist includes several 2- and 3-axle semi-trailers from the Tyrolean brand. Schmitz Cargobull has now added the lightweight ecoChamp LTO semi-curtainsider from Berger to its portfolio, which is designed to offer particularly high payloads and is therefore also suitable for electrified tractors. In addition, there's a significant fuel saving.
Optimized Wheelbase
According to Schmitz Cargobull, the lightweight semi-trailers from Berger ecotrail are considered the lightest vehicles of their kind on the market and are therefore particularly in demand when it comes to heavy transports. The new ecoChamp has an unladen weight starting at 4.7 tons and is regarded as a versatile vehicle among lightweight vehicles. A special feature is a shortened wheelbase designed to increase payload without overloading the drive axle of the tractor. The report states:
"The new ecoChamp LTO reduces trips by up to 10 percent due to its high payload and is also ideal for use in combination with an electrically powered semi-trailer tractor."
High load capacity, that is, large payload with low unladen weight, is considered by Schmitz Cargobull as a key factor when it comes to efficient vehicle solutions in the commercial vehicle sector, especially regarding the reduction of CO2 emissions. With more payload, lightweight trailers allow for a higher load, which means that the freight forwarder can save trips with consistent transport volume and operate sustainably, it says. "The low unladen weight not only reduces fuel consumption but also vehicle wear and tear."
Higher Load Possible
According to the report, it often happens in everyday transport that the drive axle of the tractors, particularly with heavier E-tractors, becomes overloaded. To stabilize the trailer for such cases, Berger has relocated the three axles of the new ecoChamp LTO and reduced the wheelbase in compliance with the prescribed turning circle. This circumstance relieves the kingpin of the curtainsider and the drive axle of the tractor, so that more goods can be transported without overloading the drive axle, describes SC of the effect of the new lightweight solution. This circumstance is of great importance, especially when trying to leverage the full payload with the transport of beverage and wood loads, but also when using an E-tractor.
With Sophisticated Technology
With the ecoChamp LTO, the unladen weight is reduced by 1.5 tons. The weight saving is made possible by the special lightweight construction of the Berger ecotrail vehicles. Here, the equilateral Reuleaux triangle is used, which has rounded sides and features a constant diameter like a circle, also known as an arc triangle. Berger, whose special chassis technology is based on 25 years of experience, has chosen the shape as its logo. The contour, it says on the website, combines ultimate lightness with maximum stability.
On this basis, a maximum amount of material can be omitted in the longitudinal beam without compromising strength and stability. Thus, the unladen weight is reduced and the payload is simultaneously increased. The manufacturer claims up to 2,500 kilograms more loading capacity and, depending on type and equipment, about seven percent reduction in trips. In terms of fuel savings, the Tyrolean bodywork manufacturer calculates up to 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers and arrives at a CO2 reduction of 7.93 kilograms per 100 kilometers for its vehicles.
The new ecoChamp is certified for maximum payload when transporting beverages, both in the form of beverage crates and barrels, as well as for general cargo according to DIN EN 12642 Code XL, DIN EN 12195-1, and VDI 2700. "The form-fit loading shortens the loading and unloading cycles and increases efficiency," reports the press release.
Also Combinable with SC Frame
Optionally, the vehicle can also be equipped with the Power Curtain body from Schmitz Cargobull, which is said to particularly well meet the requirements for efficiency and handling speed. Here, the structure strength certified according to DIN EN 12642 is achieved even without drop sides: vertically and horizontally attached reinforcements and a standard anti-theft mesh provide the necessary stability in this case. "This means the vehicle can be loaded and unloaded quickly and easily without time-consuming handling.” This translates to more transport efficiency and work safety, as the driver can move on more quickly.
Since the beginning of 2024, the special lightweight trailers of the Berger ecotrail brand have been available through Schmitz Cargobull's sales network. The Europe-wide comprehensive spare parts supply is ensured through the SC Service Partner network. Additional SC services such as financing, insurance, and the standard equipment with the TrailerConnect telematics system can be utilized, which also includes a tire pressure monitoring system with an autolocation function. With telematics, the condition of the vehicles and tires is communicated in real-time, which can enhance safety and transparency in fleet management.
