What are “Open Cradle Safety Trailers”?
An “Open Cradle Safety Trailer” is a 6m x 2.9m x 1.35m high stillage that is attached to a flatbed trailer via the Twist Locking systems used for containers. Two of these cradles can be placed end to end on a flatbed leaving a 1.3m wide access zone at the front of the trailer.
Each cradle is made from steel square hollow section stanchions and cross members. They form totally rigid sides that provide perfect protection for the transit of long, large products as well as side protection for an operative when loading or unloading. The trailers are open at the back to enable longer, larger loads to be transported if necessary.
A flat-bed trailer can carry four of these cradles as they have been designed to stack one on top of the other. They are connected by corner spigots locating inside the square hollow section stanchions.
Once stacked, the top of the higher stillage represents the maximum transportable height for UK roads (4.51m) giving a great visual reference to ensure no load exceeds this height.
The cradles also benefit from having steel sections running across their width at regular intervals. This not only limits the movement of small items in transit, it also allows for chains and slings to pass easily beneath larger objects for lifting.