Semi trucks moving a large transformer - GIF

**Toolmaker51** · Apr 13, 2023, 12:39 PM

Originally Posted by Hoosiersmoker

But is it Megatron or Optimus Prime? It's hard to tell from the video.

Hard to say, looks like satin hunter green . . .

**Frank S** · Apr 13, 2023, 07:20 PM

My count of tires was a tad more than 88 there are 22 on the 2 tractors alone and if you notice those axles on the jeeps and bogie units are side by sides which would mean 8 tires across per axle spacing That type of trailer unit would have the same number of axles in the rear as you can see in the front or 32 axles in all for a total number of tires on the ground assuming there is not another tractor pushing in the rear 150. Now it gets interesting some states will allow special permits of 22,000 per axle when the tandems have enough spacing between them. other states cap the weight at 20,000 permitted per axle. A standard Semi tractor trailer combo of 5 axles is 34+34+12 or 80,000 lbs. When considering a move of this nature the State board of Highway engineers are involved for which ever state or states the move is to be transported. Assuming they were only allowed 34,000 lbs per tandem set having 8 tires on the trailer combination that would be 544,000 add another 100,000 for the tractors with the concrete blocks we get 644,000 but could be as high as 768,000 if the respective states would allow it but we are looking at 2 heavy duty tractors That Brockway in front is obviously a heavy built tractor with those planetary drive axles The KW would be slouch either. say 40K for the trucks those Mafia blocks weigh between 2800 and 3600 each depending on their size, and I counted 20 on the lead truck That trailer combo would be around 200,000 bare, but more probably closer to 250K, another 72,000 for concrete and before the load is even lowered onto the rig there is between 312and 330,000 lbs of hog iron to move. A modular platform trailer and 2 trucks would be a weight savings of at least 1/3 to 1/2. The problem with a modular platform unit would be the overall height with the transformer on it, and some states are reluctant to consider issuing permits for them because of bureaucratic nonsense.
If only we would learn how to build roads like Israel built their highway from Televi to Haifa you can land and take off with a fully loaded cargo plane on any stretch of it

**Toolmaker51** · Apr 13, 2023, 09:02 PM

Per Frank S, after a dive into tire count; "NOW, it gets interesting . . .".

Or is it just me?

**Ralphxyz** · Apr 15, 2023, 07:23 PM

Now I want to see it make a turn.

**Frank S** · Apr 16, 2023, 08:26 AM

Originally Posted by Ralphxyz

Now I want to see it make a turn.

Ralph; steering one of these units takes a bit of skill, as you can imagine. Different rigs are done much differently. back in the early 1990s A close friend and customer of mine had a 13 axle rig called 3+3+3+4 rig which meant a 4-axle tractor with lift axle in front of the drive axles a 3 axle long neck Jeep the unit right behind the tractor. on the jeep under the 5th wheel for the trailer was connected was a hydraulic tower that I made so the front of the trailer could be raised on in another case a bolster was connected to carry the load, when the trailer deck and neck were not used. the 3 axle group in the rear of the trailer deck was detachable so the deck or bed of the trailer could be removed behind that was called the stinger the 3rd 3 axle group which articulated from the trailer axles. Near the articulation point was where I made another hydraulic elevating tower which could be added when required. It had another pivoting bolster on it I custom made hydraulic cylinders and attached them to the 2 3axle groups to force the articulation think of an articulating rubber tired payloader's movement. With the load on the bolster the back end could be steered to swing out wide turning left to go right type of action. On the very back of everything I mounted a platform with safety railing for a guy to ride back there when steering around corners was required. It is slow going when the rear needs to be steered because any wrong or fast movement becomes disastrous &" RIGHT NOW". Later on when he bought an 18-axle unit, I modified that unit so he could steer the rear groups from the cab of his truck. Truck drivers who specialize in hauling the supersize Class L loads are the best of the best in the business or they may as well be classed as a kid in a Miata distracted by their cell phone while jamming to loud music. He kept his rigs parked on the lot at my shop and one time he called me to bring the 18-axle unit to him in Houston with the 33 ft extension beams installed making the rig 150 feet long end to end. It was a driving experience because even without a load to worry about there is a lot going on when navigating even the gentler curves. I was sure thankful for having made it cab rear steer capable.