XL Specialized Trailers Introduces XL 90 Blademate

Thu March 24, 2016
Truck and Trailer Guide

XL Specialized Trailers launched a brand new trailer with the introduction of the XL 90 Blademate. Anticipating continued growth for the wind market, XL committed to providing a premium solution for hauling wind turbine blades safely and efficiently, resulting in the new trailer.

The longer the trailer, the more difficult it can be to control the rear of it, which makes it difficult for hauling wind blades due to their length. The XL Blademate features a unique self-steering system in which the axles automatically rotate to keep the trailer behind the truck at all times; the kingpin rotates and prompts the axles to track with it using hydraulic cylinders. An override remote allows drivers to take full control as needed.

Rated at 90,000 lbs. (40,823 kg) overall, the XL 90 Blademate is 53-ft. (16 m) long when closed and 184 ft. 2 in. (56 m) when fully extended. The telescoping main frame features XL's trusted extendable technology, using 6-in. (15 cm) greasable double rollers to extend and retract smoothly. Once extended to 124 ft. (38 m), the trailer has stops every 18 in. (45.7 cm), up to full extension. A 20-ft. (6 m) pullout bumper on the rear also is on rollers, allowing for hassle-free extension. The bumper has stops every 24 in. (61 cm). Additionally, a double lock system secures the set-up.

The trailer is prepped for deck inserts, which enables a length of more than 200 ft. (61 m) overall. Adjustable non-rolling bunks are situated on the main deck customizable to the customers' needs. The 24-in. long bunks can be moved across 40 ft. (12 m) of the main beam, providing adjustable loading areas based on the size and shape of the wind turbine blade. The fixed bunks are moved with a forklift while the rolling bunks slide smoothly and quickly into position on rollers. 20-in. (51 cm) steel loading platforms at both the front and rear of the trailer provide tie down areas.

XL has taken safety into consideration in a variety of ways on the Blademate. A beacon located on the side toolbox of the trailers illuminates when the axles turn out of alignment 3 degrees or more, which is useful for alerting other vehicles that the trailer is making a turn, and to allow the driver and pilot car to monitor any unplanned axle rotation, therefore preventing accidents. Furthermore, three red/green indicator lights signal, to both the driver and pilot car, if the power unit is on or off. A large work light on the gooseneck shines 1,200 lumens rearward, right where users will need it to load, unload or check the load in the dark.

“Our goal is always to provide a solution that makes drivers jobs easier and safer,” said Rodney Crim, vice president of sales of XL Specialized Trailers. “We are excited to provide this advanced hauling solution for the wind industry with the new XL Blademate.”

For more information, visit xlspecializedtrailer.com.