Kögel Mega with Hybrid Quick-Opening Mechanism

Press release

Kögel Mega with hybrid quick-opening mechanism

Hanover, 26th September 2014

§ Considerable time saving when operating the tarpaulins

§ Innovative hybrid concept: Opening and closing possible both pneumatically and conventionally

§ Winner of "Trailer Innovation 2013"

At the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2014, Kögel shows how the driver and the transport company are thus able to meet the requirements of the automotive and beverage industries for shorter loading times – with the help of the Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism. In comparison with the conventional closing system of a trailer with DIN EN 12642 Code XL certification, the closing and opening times of the side tarpaulins are reduced considerably due to the intelligent combination of frame and closing technology. The Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism was awarded the international sectoral prize, ‘Trailer Innovation 2013’. This prize promotes outstanding ideas and new products in the trailer and bodywork sectors.

The Kögel Mega semi-trailer is perfectly suited for conventional standard tasks as well as for high-volume transport use. Its clear internal height of three metres makes this volume-marvel the ideal trailer for the automotive sector. Loading and unloading stacked pallet cages is simple, thanks to the standard mechanical/hydraulic lifting roof. This increases the side and rear through-loading height to more than three metres. The new standard Kögel aluminium rear wall door is also installed in the Mega on exhibit. In addition to a self-cleaning trilobular shaft guide, its ease of repair due to inexpensive and easily replaceable single articulated hinges also scores high marks.

Hybrid quick-opening mechanism

The optional Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism also contributes to loading times being considerably shortened. Engineering skill from Kögel makes this possible in less than 30 seconds – pull the tarpaulin closed, tension with the winding shaft and the locking points close automatically via the control unit. Opening is achieved in 36 seconds and takes place in reverse order, just the winding shaft needs to be released before actuating the control unit. Kögel relies on 19 clamping units per side, for better sealing between the framework and the tarpaulin, in contrast to the competition. The hooks are standard commercial components. Kögel is therefore offering a hybrid concept: opening and closing possible both pneumatically and conventionally. In addition, for partial loading and unloading, the front and rear sections can be opened simply by hand in the normal way. Also, this means that a de-coupled trailer with de-pressurised air receiver remains available for use. Kögel uses a standard tarpaulin for the new hybrid quick-opening mechanism. This takes up only 1.90 metres in the closed condition. The Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism is also certified in accordance with DIN EN 12642 Code XL. With form-fit loads, this means that additional load-securing is unnecessary, and this saves time as well. For the transport of beverages, the Mega with hybrid quick-opening mechanism is also available with customised equipment for the secure transport of crates, beverage pallets and barrels, including the availability of a certificate. For use in the automotive sector, the Kögel hybrid quick-opening mechanism combined with the necessary customised equipment meets the requirements of the Daimler Guideline for load-securing 9.5.

Individual load-securing features and safety

The trailer exhibited at IAA Commercial Vehicles 2014 also has an anti-slip floor that is available as an option in many Kögel semi-trailers. In this optional feature the plywood floor boards are provided with an anti-slip coating, which makes load-securing much easier and safer. This saves drivers, shipping agents and freight forwarders time, as it eliminates the time-consuming covering of the trailer floor with anti-slip mats. Due to the sliding friction coefficient of μ* = 0.6 to 0.7 of the anti-slip coating, fewer lashings are also necessary. This results in less work when lashing the load which translates into further time saving. In addition, the Mega trailer on exhibit is equipped with a so-called ice-free system. This long inflatable air hose is mounted underneath the roof tarpaulin. When inflated, the tube pushes the tarpaulin upward in the shape of a slightly pointed roof and accumulated water, snow and ice are easily and conveniently removed. This way, drivers can safely remove water and ice from truck tarpaulin roofs before driving and so prevent serious accidents caused by falling chunks of ice.

Cathodic dip-paint coating: lasting protection against corrosion

In the Kögel Mega, the entire vehicle frame is given long-lasting protection against corrosion by nano ceramic and cathodic dip-paint coating, supplemented with UV lacquering.

*The sliding friction coefficient is identified with “μ” [mu]

Photo: Kögel Mega with hybrid quick-opening mechanism

Your contact person for further questions about this press release:

Volker Seitz

Director Communication/Marketing and Business Development

Tel. + 49 82 85 88 – 12 3 06

Fax + 49 82 85 88 – 12 4 24

Patrick Wanner

PR-Manager

Tel + 49 82 85 88 – 12 3 01

Fax + 49 82 85 88 – 12 2 84

Kögel is one of the three leading trailer manufacturers in Europe. Since its establishment in 1934, it has produced more than 500,000 trailers. With its commercial vehicles and solutions for the forwarding and construction industries, the company can offer all the benefits of 80 years of engineering quality "made in Germany". Since that time, it has maintained its passion for transport and innovation, enabling it to offer proven, long-lasting added value for freight forwarders. The company headquarters and main production facility of Kögel Trailer GmbH & Co. KG are in the Bavarian town of Burtenbach. In addition, Kögel also has plants and premises in Neu-Ulm (Germany), Duingen (Germany), Chocen (Czech Republic), Moscow (Russia), and St. Petersburg (Russia). With approximately 1,000 employees, it achieved sales figures of approximately € 275 million in 2013.