Felling Trailers exhibited at The Utility Expo, formerly known as the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE). The newly branded Utility Expo took place in late September in Louisville, Kentucky. We had several exciting construction and utility trailers exhibited at the show, including the newly designed models, the FT-24 I-S DS featuring our patent-pending Slider Track Air Ramp System, FT-16 PCD, pole/cargo/dump, and an FT-30-2 LP Drill Series equipped with a bolt-on triple reel rack assembly. We also displayed a few models you are familiar with, our FT-45-2 LP (Low Pro) Drill Series tag trailer with optional air ramps and an FT-20 UPT utility pole trailer. For construction and utility professionals who could not attend the show, here is a quick recap of the highlights from our booth (K332) at The Utility Expo!
New Show Name & New Layout
The event name wasn’t the only thing that changed. The event grounds also received a facelift with the demolition of the Old Cardinal Stadium. With the stadium gone, this opened the outdoor exhibit landscape to offer attendees and exhibitors a more expansive display area. Felling Trailers took advantage of the grounds updates by moving our display area from the L lot, where we have held the same booth space for many years, to the K lot (Booth K332). This allowed us to be next to The Jobsite demonstration area that was presented by Planet Underground.
New Products from Felling Trailers
DDI Air Ramp System
The FT-24 I-S DS, air brake equipped, featured the Air Ramp Slider Track System (patent pending). The DDI Air Ramp System operates via an airbag system that works off the same supply as the air brake system so that any air-brake-equipped truck can operate. Unique to the DDI’s air ramp operation is the slider track system that works in unison with the ramps pivoting as they are raised or lowered. The slider track allows the ramps to move laterally along the trailer’s full width, providing operators the flexibility to change the placement of the ramps based on the equipment they are transporting. A true crowd-pleaser, this ramp system drew attention from many attendees. Set the ramps in position, flip the switch to lower/raise the ramps. No lifting is required. View our Drill Series Trailers.
Cross-functional Triple Reel Tag
The FT-30-2 LP was mounted with a one-piece, three-reel rack assembly bolted directly to the flat deck surface. Cross-functionality, a removable reel rack on an equipment trailer ensures the trailer will remain utilized throughout its life. Too many times, a dedicated reel trailer is purchased for a specific application/project. When that job is complete, the reel trailer sits. This package allows the reel rack to be easily removed, and the trailer can then be used to haul equipment, materials, etc. When the need again arises, the reel rack assembly is easily placed back on the trailer and mounted to the trailer deck. View our Utility Telecom Trailers.
PCD Pole/Cargo/Dump
The PCD model class is a true workhorse of Felling Trailers’ Utility/Telecom solutions. An operator can carry out a host of transport runs without changing out trailers. The Pole/Cargo/Dump can transport poles, backfill, debris, and even reels with the optional removable reel stands. It is one unit with the functionality of four. Operator safety, functionality, and maintenance are prime factors when any company is looking into equipment acquisition. These same factors are even more vital in the Utility & Telcom Industry as they serve, build, and maintain infrastructures for their state and local regions. Thus the PCD’s multi-use capabilities can assure operators many years of reliable, time-saving, trouble-free service. View our Pole Cargo Dump Trailers.
New Faces
In addition to the new product models, Felling brought to The Utility Expo. Michael Wilwerding, Southwestern Regional Sales Manager who joined Team Felling in June of this year, and Joel Lindmeyer, Great lakes Regional Sales Manager, joined the team in August.
On the horizon for 2022
We offered an exclusive look at two prototype models that Felling Trailers is currently in the product development stages with our engineering, the FT-8 SLR (self-loading reel) and the FT-8 R with auto-locking reel bar system. One is a redesign of the long-standing “R” (reel) series. Enhanced safety features and ease of operation are the main changes. Gone are removable pins and brackets to retain the reel bar during transportation. In their place are non-removable locking plates. The locking plates automatically open when lowering the reel to the ground for unloading as the reel is loaded and raised; the locking plates automatically close to contain the reel bar. When the reel is raised to the transport position, spring-loaded pins automatically locks the slides into place. When the pins lock, they provide visual validation that the reel is properly locked in for transport. A green marker on the spring-loaded pins is only visible when the reel bar is properly secured. These indicators can be viewed from the rear-view mirrors of the tow vehicle.
Available sometime during the 1st quarter of 2022, four models will be available with these enhanced safety features.
Payload capacities range from 1,890 lbs. to 9,400 lbs. All have the capability to load up to 120” diameter reels. They are equipped with 12-volt dc hydraulic pumps. Manual hand pumps are available.
Contact Felling Trailers Today!
Be sure to mark your calendars for The Utility Expo 2023. We will see you there! To learn more about any of the new products from Felling Trailers, Contact us here, chat with us on our website, or give us a call at 1-800-245-2809.
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