trailer world issue One 2010

and unloading from different heights”, says Pfaff, either directly on the ground or from any kind of loading ramp up to 1.50 m. Next to it there‘s a diagonal loader with a larger loading volume which is used to transport heavy machines up to eight tons. Altogether the fleet has 50 special vehicles. Mega low-loaders, diagonal hoisting cradles or mega electric cranes: “No vehicle in the fleet is like any other”, says Carsten Pfaff. The requirements differ just as much as the orders. The low-loaders and hoisting gear can be adapted in the company‘s own garage to keep pace with what‘s needed every time. The company also pursues its own development work here, such as a trailer with a loading height of 4.20 m under a tarpau- lin, specially designed for the high masts of forklift trucks. Or the mega diagonal hoisting cradle loader with continuous flat- bed. At the moment, work is in progress with a corresponding manufacturer on an innovation for low-loaders. “To be even more flexible, last year we completely renovated the garage and fitted it out with state-of-the-art engineering”, says Pfaff, who has meanwhile put on a neon-yellow safety waistcoat over his grey suit and crosses the garage building with a springy step. Here the company modifies and repairs trucks belong- ing to other companies as well as its own. The truck washing installation facing it is also in good use. “The current slack period gives customers time for this kind of thing”, says Pfaff. Special transports are also affected by the crisis. “We naturally also notice it when our customers‘ turnover declines”, says Pfaff. To counteract these effects, the company has diversified into new areas, such as transporting milking machines and milking robots. The long-distance sector is also expanding, as well as business with company relocations. “What‘s more, we are increasingly moving away from being a transport company to a service provider”, says Thomas Pfaff. This includes not only loading and unloading the freight but also the complete dismantling and installation of machinery, includ- ing making all the connections and related storage activities. The orders often entail highly complex processes. It took a whole week for example just to plan the processes involved in relocating the chip factory to Malaysia. “Where ma- jor projects are concerned, we inspect the unloading site per- sonally in advance”, says Carsten Pfaff who is responsible for the project. Drive, entrance door, condition of the ground outside and the floor inside, parking area – everything is examined to ensure that any hindrances can be ruled out in advance. If a door is too low, structural alterations may be necessary or the machine will have to be dismantled outside. Fitters and electricians accompany the transport to cover such cases. Photos:Bergunde,Pfaff New developments Complex processes »I‘m just not the kind to drop out of the business and put my feet up« Carsten and Thomas Pfaff. 16 Issue One 2010 They used to earn their pocket money here. Now they’re Managing Directors.

trailer world issue One 2010

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