Inexpensive, safe, comfortable: equipment options from Kögel reduce operating costs and increase vehicle benefits

At the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, Kögel is presenting three clever equipment options that reduce operating costs and optimize the operating comfort and safety of the vehicles. These include two new rear underride guards, which prevent damage to the vehicle when the trailer touches down, the further developed Strong & Go Advanced body and the aerodynamic Dynamics Softcover side panelling, which does not have the disadvantages of previous systems such as susceptibility to repairs.

With clever equipment options that further optimize the benefits of Kögel trailers for fleet operators, Kögel has already made a name for itself in the past as an innovative and pragmatic problem solver. At the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, the vehicle manufacturer is adding three more.

With the revision of the UN ECE R58 directive, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe has reduced the maximum permissible ground clearance of underride guards on trailers and semi-trailers from 550 to 450 millimetres. The resulting ten centimetre reduction in clearance between the restraint system and the road surface can cause the rear of the trailer to touch down on steep loading ramps and entrances to yards, and especially on RoRo ferry services, when driving over deeper bumps and ramps. Even with specially reinforced versions, this can lead to costly damage to the underride guard and even the vehicle frame. In order to prevent this, Kögel has developed two self-adjusting underride guard variants that give way in the event of contact with the ground and still comply with all legal requirements.

Two underride guard variants, one goal: avoiding damage

The Ferry Flex Guard springs vertically upwards when touched down. For this purpose, the protective device is connected to the two vehicle side members via two square profiles. As soon as a force from the ground acts vertically on the underride guard, the two lower square profiles of the underride guard spring into the square profiles on the side member by up to 90 millimetres via a telescopic mechanism and are cushioned in the process. The Ferry Swing Guard is in turn pivoted on an arm so that it swings upwards around this pivot point as soon as it touches the ground.

Both versions prevent damage to the underride guard and vehicle frame when touching down. Fleet operators thus avoid costs for possible repairs and the driver does not lose any time when loading and unloading before driving onto a ferry, as they do not have to adjust the underride guard manually. Both versions function automatically, virtually eliminating the possibility of operating errors. In addition, both systems fulfill the prescribed restraining forces when force is applied from behind.

New version of the Strong & Go side tarpaulin with even greater benefits

In addition, Kögel has developed the Strong & Go body, an option for the flatbed vehicles in the Kögel Cargo, Mega and Light series^plus, has been further developed. The previous version meets the requirements of the load securing standard DIN EN 12642 Code XL and Daimler guideline 9.5 for body strength without the use of insertable slats. For this purpose, the restraint system prescribed in VDI 2700, Sheet 12, is integrated into the tarpaulin to capture a pallet and the lower box position. At the IAA TRANSPORTATION 2024, Kögel will be presenting the Strong & Go Advanced side tarpaulin with vertical straps integrated into the fabric, which are additionally reinforced by a further, doubled and welded strap. These are protected in a tarpaulin pocket, which prevents damage during loading and unloading. Compared to a conventional side tarpaulin, the Strong & Go Advanced version therefore offers greatly increased stability and an even more secure hold for the load. Reinforcements made of steel, aluminum or plastic elements are not necessary. The Strong & Go Advanced structure also prevents visible bulging of the side tarpaulin if the load leans against it when cornering, for example - a common complaint during rail transport and, in extreme cases, inspection authorities may object to a subjective excess width.

At the same time, the new Strong & Go design prevents damage to the goods even more effectively. Because, unlike comparable side tarpaulins with load securing elements, there are no metal or plastic reinforcing elements, there is no large, stiff and difficult to handle tarpaulin package when sliding on and no significant additional weight compared to the previous design. In addition, the design with doubled standard belts is characterized by a particularly attractive cost-benefit ratio compared to those made of high-strength plastic fibres such as polyamide. The elimination of aluminum insert slats saves additional costs, increases the payload or reduces fuel costs. In addition, the driver does not have to climb onto the loading area to insert the top slats, which significantly reduces the risk of accidents. He also has to tighten the vertical tarpaulin tensioners less frequently.

Side cladding made of tarpaulin fabric: aerodynamic, safe and robust

All good things come in threes: Kögel has also developed a special side cladding made of tarpaulin material, which does not have the disadvantages of the familiar cladding made of rigid hard plastic, but still significantly improves the aerodynamics of articulated lorries. The aim is to save up to one liter of diesel per 100 kilometers. The Kögel Dynamics Softcover is made of tarpaulin material and is therefore a cost-effective, easy-to-operate alternative. It runs in a rail at the top and can be pushed to the side like a sliding tarpaulin if access to components under the chassis is required. The soft cover can then be tensioned again with a ratchet at the front end. As the tarpaulin material is flexible, Kögel Dynamics Softcover is also much less susceptible to repairs. If damage does occur, it can be repaired easily and inexpensively.

Kögel Dynamics Softcover also increases safety for cyclists and motorcyclists. The protective effect is significantly higher than that of the legally prescribed side underride guards. The closed surface created by the Softcover reduces the risk of injury to unprotected road users in the event of a collision. In the rain, the side cover also serves as additional splash protection and thus improves visibility for third parties.

Further information on our IAA news can be found at IAA Press Kit - Kögel Trailer (koegel.com)

Your contact for this press release:

Isabell Unseld
Public Relations Manager
Phone +49 151 40203941
Isabell.Unseld@koegel.com

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