Thunder Bay, Ont.-based LBC Contracting has introduced a new 5-axle hinge trailer designed to maximize payloads in the forest industry, meeting SPIF (safe, productive, infrastructure-friendly) standards.

The company said the mechanical trailer is the first of its kind manufactured in Thunder Bay. Originally designed in 2007, this trailer aligns with the SPIF #15 configuration, enabling a legal weight limit of 63,500 kg, comparable to SPIF #12 truck/trains. The hinge trailer allows for more flexible maneuvering than traditional setups, making it ideal for navigating tighter spaces in traffic, parking lots, and lumber yards, the company says. The trailer is an upgrade over older models facing replacement as the grandfather clause expires in early 2025, the company says.

The trailer’s design, with computerized axle load equalizing and a 22-degree side-to-side pivot, eliminates the need for self-steering axles during cornering. This pivoting mechanism, combined with all five axles on the ground, enhances stability and adaptability in challenging environments. The trailers were field-tested in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation Ontario and Transport Canada.

Initially manufactured for the forestry sector, the hinge trailer is versatile enough for other applications, including lumber, freight, wood chips, and tanker operations, LBC Contracting said, adding that the lightweight design offers comparable empty weight and superior maneuverability compared to traditional straight trailers or truck trains.