Hydraulic suspension for Triffitt Trailers

Jim Kirby says that five years ago only 25 per cent of their trailers were fitted with wide floatation tyres but now it is now over 65 per cent.

With the increased weights being carried in trailers, conventional leaf spring suspension is now reaching its limit with regards to restricting body roll at high speeds, with the result that the body could catch the tyre.

Mr Kirby adds that when fitting floatation tyres they want to keep them within the overall width of the trailer which results in a narrower chassis.

On this new arrangement each of the four wheels is carried on a type of swing arm with the hydraulic ram connected to an accumulator to provide suspension.

On the model shown the left and right wheels were inter connected and Mr Kirby says that there is also a much greater level of articulation than with springs.

The hydraulic suspension is expected to cost up to £3,000 more than leaf springs.

Mr Kirby points out that this prototype trailer will use high tensile steel for the body to reduce the trailers weight and increase its carrying capacity.