Alumatic AM

The register lists here 10 versions with unladen weights from 6,745 to 11,020 kg at a gross weight of 36,000 to 44,000 kg, lengths from 11,800 to 13,375 mm and widths from 2,460 to 2,550 mm. With a gross weight consistently above 10 t, the whole range falls into vehicle class O4.

Semi-trailers in this weight class serve long-haul work and the carriage of bulk goods, building materials or palletised freight, usually running on three axles behind a tractor unit. The 36 to 44 t gross weight span covers both standard European operation and heavier special versions, such as those used in building-material or recycling haulage. In logistics, semi-trailers of this size are often run in a swap system, where one tractor unit serves several trailers in turn, cutting the standing time of the costlier tractor.

Buying used at this class, the points that matter are the condition of the chassis, axles and brakes, wear on the kingpin and landing legs, the tightness of the sides or tarpaulin, and tyre condition. It is also worth checking the brake lines and cylinders, the tyre load rating relative to the axle load, and the validity of the periodic roadworthiness test; spare parts for axles and brakes are available through the independent commercial trailer trade.