Irish-based trailer manufacturer, Smyth Trailers, has launched a high capacity silage trailer with forced triple-axle steering for more manoeuvrable transport.

Custom-built at its manufacturing facility in Garryhill, Co Carlow, the high capacity trailer has been the result of extensive customer requests.

Founding partner, Sam Smyth, said: “Customers have being enquiring about a trailer which can carry more material each time to tackle the problem of longer hauls during the busy silage season.

“The main issue that arises when you produce a large trailer is that manoeuvrability suffers, so we contacted Cathal Deacon and Colin French, from Distag QCS, who developed a bolt-on forced steering tri-axle system for us in order to keep manoeuvrability in line with that of a standard 20ft trailer.

“This not only steers while travelling forward but also steers in reverse further aiding its manoeuvrability.”

It is based on the company’s popular SuperCube range which has a sloped front design for extra capacity. The trailer in question has a payload capacity of approximately 50m³ metres, though other sizes are available.

The silage sides are removable and it has a hydraulically controlled tailboard at the rear. Tipping comes from two high capacity hydraulic cylinders.

The chassis is fitted with Smyth’s own heavy duty spring suspension, which is four inches wide by two inches thick. This is said to reduce flex to greatly improve stability.

Stability and load carrying capacity is built in to the three high speed (105km/hr) commercial axles, with 420x180mm brake shoes giving the braking capacity. Both the front and rear axles have the forced steering systems, which also helps reduce tyre scrubbing.

The steering works with a ‘mini ball’ located next to the tractor’s hitch, connected via a push rod to the steering’s hydraulic system. This forces oil to enter the left or right hydraulic cylinders depending on the direction the trailer is being towed and, as it’s a closed system, the displaced oil forces the steering axles to turn appropriately in the opposite direction of each other, thus reducing the turning circle.