TII Scheuerle, in cooperation with heavy transport specialist Spedition Kübler, has introduced a newly developed side girder deck designed specifically for the transport of transformers. The STB 320 was unveiled during a live demonstration in late March at Spedition Kübler’s site in Michelfeld-Erlin, Germany, where both companies presented the technical features and potential benefits of the equipment to clients and industry representatives.
One of the main objectives of the STB 320 development was to create a solution capable of addressing the challenges posed by Germany’s aging infrastructure, particularly roads and bridges. Many routes have axle load limits of 12 tonnes, while conventional heavy transport combinations often exceed these limits, leading to time-consuming approval processes and expensive bridge recalculations.
By using lighter materials and design optimisations, TII Scheuerle, engineers were able to reduce the overall weight of the STB 320 by approximately 50 tonnes compared to similar equipment. In its largest configuration, the deck supports a payload of up to 320 tonnes while keeping axle loads below the 12-tonne threshold, potentially reducing the administrative burden associated with heavy-load permits.
Unlike some modular systems designed for multiple cargo types, the STB 320 was developed with a specific focus on transporting transformers—essential components in the electrical grid. According to the companies involved, this focus allowed for design decisions that prioritise load capacity and reduced dead weight.
The deck supports a wide range of axle configurations, from 9+9 to 22+22, with 18+18 axles being a standard setup where the load is positioned above the axle lines. An integrated load distribution frame in the central bogie unit, along with a compact slewing ring, removes the need for additional heavy components. For certain transformer types, a direct suspension within the bridge over a span of 12.5 metres is also possible.
Beyond weight reduction, the equipment includes several technical updates aimed at improving operational efficiency and safety. These include a new damping system for the lateral support of the lifting mechanism, an electronic braking system (EBS), and a broader track width designed to enhance stability during transport.
Felix Mangold, Technical Director at Spedition Kübler, commented that the system had been developed with practical transport requirements in mind, incorporating experience from past projects.
The new side girder deck has drawn interest from the energy sector, particularly from grid operator TransnetBW, which is currently monitoring the equipment’s use as part of a study. The operator has also arranged for priority access to the system, indicating its interest in future applications.
The unveiling event included presentations from Spedition Kübler and TII Scheuerle, representatives, including Heinz Rößler, Managing Director of Spedition Kübler, and Susanne Rettenmaier, Associate Partner of the TII Group. The demonstration highlighted the technical specifications of the STB 320, while also addressing broader industry topics such as transport route limitations, infrastructure challenges, and the growing demand for specialised heavy transport solutions in the context of the energy transition.
While the STB 320 is one of several recent developments in the specialised transport sector, its transformer-specific design and reduced axle loads may offer an alternative for logistics operators navigating today’s infrastructure constraints.
