Hydraulic Lift Decks Haul More Hogs

Hydraulic Lift Decks Haul More Hogs HOG EQUIPMENT & IDEAS Steve’s Livestock Transport moves more hogs per semi trailer and is easier on pigs and driver The company’s prototype trailer has 2 levels that can be raised into place while loaded Pigs load easier with less stress on them and driver alike according to Bill Rempel Steve’s Livestock Transport “We started working on a way to reduce stress on animals to improve meat quality ” says Rempel “We also wanted to make it easier on our older drivers and attract younger drivers to the industry ” The prototype all aluminum 53-ft twin-axle straight trailer was built to meet Steve’s needs by concept partner Wilson Trailer Co Though it is based on European designs it has been modified for North American needs It has 3 decks 2 of which raise up on stainless steel cables powered by hydraulics As pigs being loaded fill a deck it is closed off and raised Once a second deck is filled it too is raised so the fixed deck can be filled In a standard trailer with 3 decks steep ramps are used to fill the top 2 decks Drivers responsible for clearing out the pigs and cleaning the trailer have to work bent over in a space less than 4 ft 4 in high “We wanted to be able to put a full load on each deck without ramps ” explains Rempel “We also wanted to make it easier for the drivers to move around inside the trailer without the cramped quarters of a fixed deck truck ” Rempel says the prototype retains the same payload Water tests of the pto-driven hydraulic powered system demonstrated a 20 000 to 25 000-lb lift capacity “We are testing different weight loads and applications ” says Rempel “We bring it into the shop weekly to look at stress points We plan to operate through all 4 seasons to identify any changes needed before Wilson builds more ” While Rempel says the company hasn’t done any quantified research on the impact of the trailer on the pigs driver results are clear “The drivers love it and want to keep driving it ” says Rempel “They don’t want to give it up ” When both companies are satisfied with the prototype it will be marketed in the U S by Wilson and by Steve’s in Canada “We expect to see more trailers on the road by next summer ” says Rempel Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Steve’s Livestock Transport 7968-75th Ave Red Deer Alta Canada T4P 0V3 ph 800 667-8869; bill rempel@slt ca; www slt ca ; or Wilson Trailer Co P O Box 6300 Sioux City Iowa 51106 ph 712 252-6500; toll free 800 798-2002; www wilsonterailer com

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