The last stage to Ludres
All is still quiet in the small car park. The sun slowly rises above the hills in the distance. A special transporter with loaded transformer waits by the grass verge to continue its journey. It is the first use of the new CombiMAX, which the French company, Wack, recently acquired.
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An exciting premiere, which began a few days ago in Italy. The around 750-kilometre route from Trient via the Mont Blanc tunnel on the way to France went according to schedule. Driver Loïc, company director Pierre Wack and his employees are accordingly satisfied. However, the final destination has not yet been reached. The grounds of the substation in Ludres are just a few kilometres away. A croissant for nourishment, a last look at the load securing equipment. Then it's up behind the steering wheel, time is pressing.
The combination shows its strengths
„We want to set off before the commuting traffic gets any heavier," says Pierre Wack outlining the strategy. The transformer is 6.41 metres long, 3.85 metres wide and 4.06 metres high. It is being transported on a 3 + 5-axle CombiMAX combination, equipped with a flatbed, which thanks to high point loads is specially designed for heavy and compact goods. „The CombiMAX is simply unbelievably versatile," says Wack describing the plus points of this vehicle.
In the meantime, the red vehicle combination has already started attracting attention. Astonished passersby and car drivers stop in their tracks. Roundabouts, hills, underpasses and tight bends – the drive to the unloading point is demanding. Yet the pendle-axles on the CombiMAX with a large stroke and steering angle show off their strengths. „The combination can be steered safely and precisely, which makes our work much easier," says Pierre Wack reporting on the initial positive experiences. Driver Loïc in the cab works closely with Pierre Wack in the escort vehicle. Radio, hand signals and visual contact ensure that each passage is safely mastered.
As a company, Wack has a long and trusting history with the Faymonville brand. Pierre Wack recalls: „We were among the first clients of Faymonville. We acquired our first vehicle back in 1994. This was followed by a succession of new special semi-trailers, from lowbed and flatbed trailers to modular combinations like the CombiMAX."
Installation follows the transportation
Finally at its destination, this is when the real precision work begins. The transformer has to be brought to its final position. Wack is able to offer such an overall package of transportation and installation, of which the client is naturally happy to make use. The vehicle combination is precisely manoeuvred next to the foundations. A crane is not allowed on site due to the high voltage lines. „The reaction speed of the CombiMAX when being driven is particularly important," adds Wack. „Every movement can be perfectly controlled. As a result, we are able to place the transformer exactly where it belongs, even in the tightest surroundings."
The subsequent transposition of the transformer is done sideways with traction elements. At the end of the day, this premiere project with the CombiMAX can be signed off with a tick. Yet there is no break for the new combination: the next leg starts tomorrow, heading for Portugal. Pierre Wack looks ahead: „Our agenda with the CombiMAX is packed full with projects. A lot of work lies in front of us."
