Felling Trailers has announced design modifications to its X-Force hydraulic detachable goosenecks.
Ease of Operation Behind Redesign
The driving factors in the product redesign were enhancing operator usability while refining the design and reducing production time and materials, according to a press release.
Felling Trailers took into consideration that more often than not, operators must offload or load equipment on less-than-ideal terrain that is soft or uneven. The gooseneck stirrups were designed to provide an additional 1-3/4" ground clearance, making the hookup/disconnect process easier. Auto-ratcheting load blocks have also been factored into the neck design. As the deck is raised into position, setting the trailer's ride height, the load blocks auto-ratchet into position. An interlocking connection between the load block and the secondary lock mechanism synchronizes the action of the two, eliminating the independent lock handle, reducing, and simplifying the operation process. Lastly, the trough of the gooseneck was reconfigured for optimal performance of the lock pin, allowing dirt and debris to fall away more efficiently, substantially reducing buildup over time.
Gooseneck Design Highlights
- Auto Ratchet Load Blocks – As the deck is raised into position, setting the trailer’s ride height, the load blocks auto-ratchet into position.
- Stirrup Design – Provides increased ground clearance of approx. 1-3/4", ideal for unlevel terrain conditions.
- Interlock Design – Connects the Load Block and Secondary lock mechanism synchronizing action when hooking/unhooking the gooseneck.
- Trough Design – Reconfigured the trough design for the vertical pin, providing improved clean out of dirt and debris, resulting in less buildup over time.
The X-Force product line offers more than a dozen models with load capacities ranging from 35 to 60 tons.
Felling Trailers will debut the redesign at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023. The company is anticipating reaching full production in mid-late 2023.