Austrian civil engineering company Walter Keil Transporte und Erdbewegungen GmbH & Co. KG, now led by Heidi Keil in its second generation, has grown significantly since its founding over 50 years ago. Known for its comprehensive services—including construction pit excavation, stone wall and road building, trenching, and dam engineering—the company operates a fleet of nearly 100 construction machines and 50 trucks, employing close to 200 people.
Recently, Keil Transporte undertook an extraordinary assignment: transporting a walking excavator to a construction site high on Kitzsteinhorn Mountain, over 3,000 meters above sea level. Navigating narrow, winding alpine roads to reach the summit, the job required the exceptional capabilities of Goldhofer’s newly acquired semi-trailer, which features a unique 60-degree steering angle for maneuverability.
Andi Brennsteiner, a seasoned truck driver with over 25 years of experience at Keil Transporte, was a key influence in the decision to acquire the specialized Goldhofer semi-trailer. Brennsteiner’s expertise in navigating challenging mountainous terrain was instrumental in securing a semi-trailer with the necessary specifications to handle such demanding routes. “Our existing semi-trailers quickly hit their limits when it came to the maneuverability required for such tight bends,” said Brennsteiner. He highlighted the »MPA« axle’s unique steering angle as a crucial asset, allowing the team to negotiate the sharp turns characteristic of high-altitude roads. Additionally, the trailer’s lightweight but robust build, combined with the ±350 mm suspension stroke and Goldhofer’s »SmartControl« system, provided the stability needed for accurate unloading on uneven terrain.
Levin Gonser, Regional Sales Manager at Goldhofer, underscored the company’s commitment to tailored solutions. “Our goal is to deliver the best product for each customer’s unique needs. By working closely with Keil, we integrated features such as a sliding table on the extension tube, enabling flexible positioning for transporting 4-axle dump trucks,” said Gonser.
With this recent transport mission successfully completed, the team at Keil Transporte—including Bernd Rodlberger—expressed confidence in the partnership with Goldhofer. “With our team’s expertise and this highly capable low-loader, we are well-prepared for future challenges in the mountains,” said Rodlberger.