Goldhofer Innovation Days Return to Memmingen

Goldhofer welcomed more than 600 customers from around the world to its headquarters in Memmingen, Germany, on September 10–11 for Innovation Days 2026, marking the return of the event after a 12-year absence.

The two-day programme showcased developments across the manufacturer’s Transport Technology and Airport Technology divisions, combining world premieres, live demonstrations and an Innovation Lab focused on future concepts. Highlights included the new PST/SL-ES (285), E-PowerPack, STEPSTAR MPA, expanded FT SERIES and the world premiere of the ATLAS 3. 

New benchmark for heavy transport

One of the most significant introductions was the PST/SL-ES (285), which Goldhofer describes as its strongest heavy-duty module to date.

A key feature is its ability to vary track width while under load. Starting from a standard width of 3,000 mm, the module can be widened during an operation to increase lateral stability, allowing operators to adapt the configuration as route conditions change.

Despite requiring an overall transport width of only 3.3 m when widened, Goldhofer says the system can achieve lateral stability comparable with a 5.3 m-wide 1+1 parallel combination of conventional 2,430 mm heavy-duty modules. 

The PST/SL-ES (285) provides an axle load of 48.4 tonnes and 162 kN of tractive force. Its high bending-moment capacity can also allow loads previously requiring parallel combinations to be transported in a single-width configuration, potentially reducing axle lines, route modifications and overall transport costs. 

During the event, the module was demonstrated in combination with Goldhofer’s FTV 1150 blade transport device. The configuration is designed to address increasingly demanding wind turbine blade movements, where load moments can exceed 1,000 mt. 

Electric power moves into real-world operations

Goldhofer also demonstrated its E-PowerPack, delivering approximately 260 kW (340 hp) of electric power and incorporating active thermal management and integration with the company’s LINK telematics platform.

The technology has already moved beyond the prototype stage. In July, an E-PowerPack was deployed by BEHALA during the transport of a 430-tonne gas turbine through Berlin, providing zero local emissions and significantly reduced noise while maintaining the required transport performance. 

STEPSTAR and FT SERIES expanded

The new STEPSTAR MPA introduces independent wheel suspension to Goldhofer’s low-loader range. It combines a ride height of just 790 mm with axle loads of up to 12 tonnes and steering angles of up to ±60 degrees, targeting improved manoeuvrability and reduced overall transport height for tall and oversized loads. 

Goldhofer also presented further developments to its modular FT SERIES, including specialised configurations, new single-axle units and split-axle arrangements, while a new 45-tonne axle-load THP/SL manufactured in India demonstrated the company’s growing production capabilities for the Asian market. 

Beyond heavy transport, the event included the world premiere of the ATLAS 3 aircraft tractor, expanding Goldhofer’s Airport Technology portfolio alongside the ATLAS 2 and PHOENIX. 

The Innovation Lab completed the programme with previews of digital twins, simulation technologies, data-driven solutions and next-generation vehicle connectivity — offering customers a look not only at Goldhofer’s latest machines, but at technologies still under development.