Freighter launches new T-Liner II trailer

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Trade Trucks AU  /  August 9, 2016

Evolution in buckles plus curtain tension solution seeks time savings per drop

Fewer, better buckles coupled with an existing curtainside technology developments are the headline features of Freighter’s new T-Liner II trailer.

Unveiled in Melbourne’s Truganina, the new model aims to save drop times and limit the risk of repetitive strain injury by reducing the original T-Liner buckles from 22 to six.

"Less buckles results in less time spent opening and closing curtains," Freighter general manager Mario Colosimo says.

"Operators can save up to 10 minutes per drop, which is a significant productivity gain without the need for an additional investment into automation."

"Decreasing the number of buckles to just six on a traditional T-Liner means the risk of repetitive strain injuries is greatly reduced, improving work health and safety."

The T-Liner Mark II borrows ideas from a number of Freighter innovations coupled with a new ‘high force’ buckle.

"Previously it hasn’t been possible to reduce the number of buckles on a curtain without loss of vertical tension, which is vital to ensuring the curtains stay safely closed and don’t flap in the breeze when in transit," Colosimo says.

"The use of Freighter’s proven ‘curtain arc technology’ spreads the vertical tension out evenly over the width of the curtain, making what was previously impossible, possible," he said.

Freighter’s ‘curtain arc technology’ uses a high-strength nylon rope running through a series of arcs at the bottom of the curtain to create vertical tension quickly, simply and reliably.

Higher tightening forces are achieved via a new buckle mechanism specifically designed for the T-Liner Mark II, while the unique strap fastening point on the tie-rail also gives the buckle extra leverage.

A further advancement in the buckle is the inclusion of a non-slip clamp which ensures the high forces that the buckle produces are held in place while in transit.

Freighter plans to upgrade its standard buckle design across its entire range to include it.

"The non-slip feature is included on the Liner Mark II buckle, effective immediately," Colosimo says.

"It will be added to existing T-Liner, Insuliner, Load Hold and AutoHold models by the end of 2016."

The T-Liner Mark II incorporates a number of patented and patent pending features.

It is a culmination of a series of rolling upgrades to the Freighter range over the past 18 months which have included a two-piece roof rail, easy-glide curtain rollers and two new load restraint gate options.

"Freighter is committed to taking the next step in furthering safety and productivity within its trailer designs and the T-Liner Mark II typifies that mantra," Colosimo says.

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