From the first horse-drawn water sprinkler wagons and road oilers through to today’s modern bituminous transport tanks and self-propelled chip-spreaders, American equipment manufacturer ED Etnyre has a wealth of experience in supplying the road construction industry with efficient transport technology.
Formerly established in Oregon, Illinois, in 1898, the trailer manufacturing and marketing company has kept pace with the changing face of transport technology and remains a key leader in the North American market today.
It is the firm’s expertise and market-leading products that Australian custom-tipper manufacturer Muscat Trailers has sought in an effort to bring the latest live-bottom trailer technology to Australia.
Troy Azzopardi, Muscat Trailers’ General Manager, explains that a recent influx of requests from customers for more efficient modes of carting hot mix asphalt instigated the company’s search for a product outside the standard design of trailers.
“One of our customers needed a trailer to work in spaces too confined for a standard tipping trailer,” he says. The customer directed Muscat to a product they had learnt of that was purpose-built for this specific application of hot mix asphalt – this was ED Etnyre’s Falcon Live Bottom Trailer.
The Falcon Live Bottom Trailer distinguishes itself with a raft of distinct features and benefits, something Rich Wilsie, Export Sales Manager for ED Etnyre, says make it a great fit for the Australian market.
“It can unload where others cannot go,” he says. “It can be utilised for sand, gravel, hot mix asphalt, recycled materials, salt – one trailer does it all.”
The Falcon uses a low-maintenance conveyer belt system in the trailer floor, which allows material to be delivered without tipping the trailer. This makes it ideal for use in mines, under bridges and in other tight spaces.
The Falcon Live Bottom Trailer’s ease of use and versatility comes from its flow control valves. This innovation allows the operator to adjust the belt speed depending on the specific task at hand, as well as the type of product being carted.
The 42-inch-wide belt is extended life laminated with nitrile composite – making it chemical and heat resistant – thus protecting it from common wear and tear, issues such as stretching, cracking and tearing.
The conveyor frame has dual frame rails, which are complemented by longitudinal and horizontal cross bracing to support the chains, belt, and the payload. This provides the flexibility necessary for on and off-road service applications.
The trailer bin walls are made with 3.2-millimetre Hardox 450 abrasion-resistant steel, which achieves longer bin life, lighter tare weights and larger payloads.
The steep sidewalls are designed to stop sticky material from bridging, allowing the load to be placed directly onto the conveyor belt. This also allows for easy unloading with only half a revolution of the belt.
The Thermax-insulated side walls, covered in aluminium panels, help extend the life of hot mix asphalt in the event of inclement weather or paver breakdown, making the Falcon Live Bottom Trailer perfect for long-distance hauls.
With this array of features included in one innovative live bottom trailer, Muscat Trailers followed its customer’s lead and contacted ED Etnyre.
By early 2015, and after months of negotiations and discussions, Muscat Trailers managed to secure the rights for the exclusive importation of the Falcon Live Bottom Trailers for Australia.
The first unit was showcased to the market at the 2015 Penrith Working Truck Show in March and, according to Mr. Wilsie, the response was incredible.
“I am impressed with the commitment that Muscat Trailers have made to the Live Bottom Trailer release,” he says.
“We have substantial orders in place with shipments leaving our factory on a monthly basis.”
The trailers are manufactured in ED Etnyre’s factory in Oregon, then shipped to Australia.
Mr. Wilsie says the relationship between the two companies has been successful since the start. “ED Etnyre is a family business, just like Muscat Trailers,” he asserts.
“We both understand the importance of the customers’ needs and we ensure that no stone is left unturned in the establishment of the correct specifications.”
Meeting the needs of its asphalt customers has always been at the core of Muscat’s decision to diversify its product range, of which the inclusion of ED Etnyre’s cutting-edge Falcon Live Bottom Trailer is proof.
“We understand the requirements for our customer base and have made modifications to ensure that the product is strong and able to perform in all conditions,” says Mr. Azzopardi.
Muscat Trailers has sold 12 Falcon Live Bottom Trailers since introducing them to the market and Mr. Azzopardi is confident the product will continue to find a strong footing in Australia.
“We have formed a strong relationship with ED Etnyre in this very short period as the sole Australian exclusive dealer for the live bottom trailer,” he says.
“We have committed considerable resources to this project and we are here for the long term.”