Felling Steps Into the Ring with the X-FORCE Detach
Felling Trailers unveiled its hydraulic detach gooseneck line late this spring, with the X-FORCE XF-110-3 HDG-L (55-ton capacity). Three years in the making, this model line was devised from a compilation of the best features and design elements from market research with hydraulic detachable owner/operators. Felling’s main objective was to provide a user-friendly method of attaching the gooseneck to the main deck.
“Our aspiration was to not just build a hydraulic detachable gooseneck trailer, but to design and build one that has the operator and fleet owner in mind in every detail.” said Patrick Jennissen, Sales/Marketing Manager.
This was accomplished by designing a pointed T-1 “hook” on the bottom of the gooseneck that self-aligns into a pocket on the front of the main deck. The top plate of this “pocket” is shear bolt protected, which means repair is fast and nominal in the event the operator misaligns the hook above the pocket and punches the top plate out when attempting to lift the trailer. According to one operator during Felling’s research, “it’s not if this happens, it’s when this happens.” Minimal downtime is key, and the shear bolt system allows a quick and inexpensive repair.
“the industry’s most user-friendly detach”
Maintaining the user-friendly design, once the hook is fully in the pocket, a spring-loaded T-1 bar lock (Tru-lock) automatically pops up behind the hook to lock the gooseneck to the main deck. The spring-loaded “Tru-lock” system has an indicator arm connected through to the left front corner of the main deck, which is visible from the tractor mirror. This innovative feature allows the driver visual confirmation that the Tru-lock system is engaged in the locked position. This arm also acts as a manual unlock device in the event the “airlock release” does not have sufficient air pressure. After attaching the gooseneck, the manual unlock feature allows the operator to easily disengage the Tru-lock system prior to detaching and engaging.
Keeping the focus on user/operator ease of use, Felling incorporated these additional key features based on customer input for the X-FORCE model line:
- A True 30” tall scraper profile gooseneck
- 2400-PSI hydraulic low-pressure requirements to lift a fully loaded trailer
- 5 position Quick Change load block – has 3 interchangeable, 5 position ride height blocks giving the operator 15 possible ride height positions
- Tapered main deck frame design with 10” high approach, with the addition of flip over ramps or a fixed approach this creates a very user-friendly approach angle.
- T-1 manufactured main frame rails are cambered and are welded on both sides of the web.
- Standard model deck height is 24”/ 8” ground clearance loaded. Low (L) deck model deck height is 19.5”/ 6” ground clearance loaded.
- Rear trunion has a deep boom well standard with a dropped cross-member running from bolster to bolster.
- Flip axle brackets and plumbing on XF-110-3 HDG (L) and XF-120-3 HDG models
The X-Force by Felling is touted as “the industry’s most user-friendly detach” giving owner/operators the standard features they want and the ability to add any options they need. Having been in the trailer manufacturing industry for thirty-six (36) years, Felling Trailers knows that quality craftsmanship is an essential part of each trailer manufactured. Felling employs a sales staff with over 100 years of experience in the trailer industry who have learned through the years that the key to customer satisfaction is that “It’s all in the details.”
Felling Trailers, Inc. currently manufactures 3,000 plus trailers a year and continually researches and implements new technologies to reduce lead-time and increase production in the manufacturing plant. Felling Trailers, Inc. provides a high-quality product that is distributed across North America and internationally. For more information, you can visit them on the web at www.felling.com.
