Did you know that the Guinness World Record for the longest semi trailer truck was set in Australia? With 79 trailers pulled behind, the so called “Prime Mover” set a world record as the longest semi tractor. The semi trailers are number one choice for heavy freight transport. Unlike other full trailers, the semi trailers are easy to operate, since they have one turning point, whereas others have two. The good thing about the semi trailers is their flexibility. You can quickly attach and remove trailers for transportation of specific loads and materials. Plus, if a truck breaks down, another can be used without disturbing the cargo. Here are some facts you probably didn’t know about the semi trailers.
- So, why these trailers are called semi trailers? That’s because the trailers don’t have front wheels and can only be used when attached to trucks. When combined with a truck, the semi trailers create a powerful 16 meter long vehicle.
- Now, do you know how much power it takes to move a fully loaded semi trailer? Most semi trailer trucks come with a six-cylinder engine that produces up to 560 hp and 680 kg/cm of torque. This engine produces enough power to keep the semi trailers moving.
- Freightliner is the most popular brand for trucks and semi trailers. Most semi trailers used in Australia are produced exactly by this brand. Next to Freightliner are Volvo and Freighter, another popular brands for high quality semi trailer trucks and semi trailers.
- The semi trailers and the road trains are the most common methods for transportation in Australia. However, these powerful vehicles cannot be used in regions with heavy public traffic, like the populated cities.
- Did you know that the semi trailers vary in size and shape? The semi trailer manufacturers produce semi trailers with different dimensions. However, there are strict vehicle standards when it comes to the vehicle size, and these standards are developed by the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Local Government.
- A typical Australian semi trailer truck has 22 wheels in comparison to other semi trailers which are used in other countries. Due to that, Australia is known as a continent where the largest semi trailers for transporting heavy loads are being used.
