Branz Technologies, Inc. of Durham, North Carolina, needed to find a better transportation solution for their Hook & Go Portable Traffic Signal System and looked to Felling Trailers for a custom utility telecom trailer. The company’s previous Hook & Go System consists of (4) pedestal-mounted traffic signals. The portable systems make traffic control safer with automated traffic signals helping to keep crews and roadway workers as safe as possible. Several municipalities, state DOT’s, paving/utility contractors, and traffic control companies currently have these systems in use.
The Downsides of the Previous 12′ Enclosed Cargo Trailer
Initially, Branz had been using a standard 12′ enclosed cargo trailer, but found it was not an ideal pairing. The enclosed trailer presented several issues for work crews: restricted visibility, limited space, lack of solar exposure, and difficult load angle. With the enclosed trailer, work crews could not see around the trailer to watch for approaching traffic when deploying the signals. Limited interior spaces also lead to issues for crews when attempting to access and maintain the systems. The portable signals are equipped with solar charging panels to recharge the units while in transport or stored, but the solar charger was rendered inoperable in the enclosed trailer. Lastly, the standard ramp door’s load angle created difficulty in loading/unloading the units safely.
“Felling’s people are the pros. That’s why I chose to do business with them.”
– Abe Zeiger, VP at Branz Techonologies
Customizing a Trailer for the Hook & Go Portable Signals
Branz Techonologies’ VP, Abe Zeiger knew it was time to find a better and safer utility and telecom transport solution for their Hook & Go Portable Signals. “When I started researching trailer manufacturers, people had great things to say about the Felling Trailers’ products. As I started reaching out to manufacturers, I didn’t get a lot of help or responses. Felling Trailers was quite the opposite of that. Mark (Rapp, Utility & Telecom Product Specialist for Felling Trailers) has been great since day one. We discussed what I was looking for, and he (Mark) started sending me options,” said Abe. “We started by modifying three stock Felling FT-3 Utility Pan trailers. The units have since evolved into a custom utility telecom trailer fitted to Branz’s specifications for hauling the portable traffic signals,” said Mark Rapp. The two men worked to customize the utility telecom trailer in a few ways, starting with the ramp by adding (3) 72″ pan style runners that provided a gradual, controlled incline for operators to load/unload the signals safely. From there, they worked on a signal latch pin system to secure the portable signals to the trailer for transport. “The latch pin system allows the signals to be secured to the trailer quickly and safely. Next, we started looking at what we could change to reduce the overall weight of the trailer. Mark has been very good at responding to questions and thinking of ideas for modifications. Mark also invited me to bring the signals up to Felling’s factory, so we could really refine our design. This helped everyone figure out what may not be needed and ideas for features to be added. Felling’s people are the pros. That’s why I chose to do business with them,” said Zeiger.
“We started by modifying three stock Felling FT-3 Utility Pan trailers. The units have since evolved into a custom trailer fitted to Branz’s specifications for hauling the portable traffic signals.”
– Mark Rapp, Utility & Telecom Product Specialist for Felling Trailers
Custom Utility Telecom Trailers in Service Across 6 States
Branz Technologies now has more than two-dozen of the custom FT-3’s in service as transport solutions for their Hook & Go Portable Signal Systems with more in the works. “We currently have units in six states (NC, SC, VA, PA, TN, & MN) and are currently working on building a nationwide dealer program for the Hook & Go Portable Signal Systems. We are happy with the quality and robustness of the trailer. Customers are always complimenting us on how well built the trailer is,” said Abe.
“We are happy with the quality and robustness of the trailer. Customers are always complimenting us on how well built the trailer is.”
– Abe Zeiger, VP at Branz Technologies
About Branz Technologies, Inc.
Branz Technologies, Inc. is a locally owned, family-run Service Company based in Durham, NC. At Branz Technologies Inc., they have a wide variety of equipment to keep your work zone or special event safe. Branz’s goal is to provide great service and peace of mind, knowing your work zones or your special events will be safe for the traveling public, your employees, and the event participants. Branz started as a
telecommunications construction company in 2014 and, after relocating to North Carolina, realized there was a need for quality traffic control. In recent years the company has worked diligently to make traffic control safer.
“There has to be a safer way,” is the way they operate, trying to find a way to keep key employees out of the roadway. Branz Technologies, Inc. works with manufacturers and states to deploy portable traffic signals to help keep construction crews and roadway workers as safe as possible. For more information, www.branztech.com or call 919-926-0690.
Contact Felling Trailers
All of Felling Trailers’ utility and telecom trailers are designed with optimum operator safety, efficiency, and durability in mind. When needed, we are ready to work with you to develop a custom utility telecom trailer designed for your organization’s specific needs.
Interested in learning more about Felling’s Utility and Telecom Trailers and how they can benefit service companies, municipalities, electrical cooperatives, communications, and renewable energy contractors? Call 1.800.245.2809 or fill out this simple form.
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