It’s not a splash plate, and it doesn’t have a distributor. So, is the Schleppfix the ultimate in trailing shoe simplicity? We find out.
It sounds like nirvana for tanker owners: no wear, no additional drive and, in the event of a blockage, you don’t need any tools to fix the problem. The Schleppfix distributor seems to have what it takes to become the new benchmark in trailing shoe applicators. But where are its limits? And what sort of job does it do?
Before we can answer these questions, we should explain how the applicator, which is made from stainless steel and powder-coated steel, actually works.
Up to 11.5m wide
Swiss firm Brunner offers the Schleppfix in three working widths: 7.20m, 9.00m and 11.50m. According to the maker’s spec sheet, these weigh in at 570kg, 680kg and 980kg, respectively. The two smaller units fold in half for a transport width of 2.55m and can be mounted on a tanker up to 1.70m in diameter. By adding a central frame, larger tanks up to 2.00m can be accommodated, but this pushes the on-road width out to 2.95m.
The 11.50m model, the SFA12, has three section boom for fitting to tanks up to 2.10m in diameter (with a folded width of 2.55m). All three versions are attached to the tanker via a Weiste A-frame with one latch on either side; the frame attaches to the tank, and there is a brace on the top. Other coupling options are also offered.
The Schleppfix doesn’t require a hydraulically powered distributor or macerator. The slurry you are going to come into direct contact with the slurry, so pack some gloves.
Better than baffles
The nozzle and the distributor plate form the heart of the machine. Similar to a splash plate, the flow and therefore the working pattern are influenced by fitting a different size of nozzle.
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