The new four-axle trailer developed by UK manufacturer Stewart Trailers is designed to carry a payload of 35 tonnes.
Called the Tetrad, the first model is enjoying a lot of interest on social media and at this week’s Royal Highland Show. With a minimum tractor power requirement of 300hp and an empty weight of around 12t, it was developed primarily for the Australian market.
The first model in the new range is going to a large dairy farm in the east of the country, which currently operates 50m³ Stewart trailers. The farm hopes that the move to the larger version (70m³ with silage sides), will improve efficiency. With front and rear steering axles, the first customer specified mechanical suspension, but the Tetrad can also be delivered with air suspension.
“The trailer is fitted with follow steer axles but we anticipate that there will be a growing demand for electro hydraulic steering systems which are popular in our UK market,” comments Stewart Trailers director Mandy Stewart. “The big advantage of the system is that the trailer has positive steering going forward and in reverse, all controlled from the driver’s seat.”
The Scottish manufacturer has exported trailers to Australia since 2009. Sold and distributed by New South Wales-based Armour Group, the Australian dealer will have a Tetrad available for customer demonstrations.
“The concept and design of a new trailer takes a considerable amount of time and effort so we are pleased with the new model and the reaction it has received on social media,” says Stewart’s designer Lukasz Sobaszkiewicz, adding that a lot of research was needed to source components for the new range. “The weight carried by the Tetrad requires a robust construction. Many of the heavy-duty parts needed are not readily available off the shelf.”
Stewart expects that there will be a good uptake for the trailer in the eastern states of Australia where there are large areas of grass grown for silage. The company has not yet explored other markets, and the concept and design were specifically in response to demand from Australia. However, we are informed that the Tetrad can be supplied in the UK and to other countries.
With agents in place in New Zealand (North Island TRC Tractors and South Island IKON Machinery), exports to the southern hemisphere account for a significant proportion of the Scottish company’s turnover, and the Stewart range includes several models designed specifically for Australia and New Zealand conditions.
“Legislation for road going trailers allows for larger models so the biggest difference is that we build trailers up to 3m wide to give increased capacity and stability,” adds Mandy. “We fit hydraulic jack legs as not many of their tractors have pick-up hitches and chain points on the drawbar which are a legal requirement. The majority of trailers supplied to Australia are factory fitted with an on-board weigh cell system and automatic lubrication.”
Stewart also produces a multi-purpose trailer range for the Australian market; there are two models the VT 5500 and VT 6100, carrying 16 and 20t, respectively. These trailers have short lift off sides to use for moving gravel, demountable silage sides and also convert for use as a flat trailer.
Footnote: Stewart Trailers was founded in 1988 and is owned and managed by James and Mandy Stewart. The business is based in the rolling Aberdeenshire countryside in the North-East of Scotland.
For more up-to-date farming news click here and subscribe now to profi and save 47%.
