The comeback of the flatbed
The flatbed has made an unexpected comeback. Where this vehicle type had once all but disappeared from glass and window logistics, it is now resurging in surprising numbers. More than 15 percent of the vans with a total weight of up to 5.5 tonnes fitted out by HEGLA Fahrzeugbau in the last year were flatbeds. Keep reading to find out the reasons behind the trend, and what advantages this classic vehicle has to offer.
Rediscovering the benefits
From HEGLA Managing Director Marc-Alexander Stachel’s point of view, there are two developments that have led to this rise. “During the supply crisis in the automotive industry, quick availability and more affordable purchase prices led customers to opt for flatbeds over the otherwise more popular box van. In addition, the flatbed vans offered advantages that were rediscovered during this usage phase,” says Marc-Alexander Stachel.
More payload and loading positions
This vehicle class promises a higher payload and more loading positions. The smallest conversion level is the flatbed, which is available either as a standard version or in a special HEGLA low-bed version. For the transport of A-frames or L-frames, C-rails are embedded in the floors, which are suitable for securing the load with clamping shoes. Lashing points are also an option, and provide added security for additional fastening with lashing straps. The load or the frames can be positioned both crossways and lengthways. The limiting factor is the total permissible weight of the vehicle, which offers a higher load capacity, thanks to its lightweight attachment. For maximum load height, the HEGLA expert recommends the low flatbed. On this attachment, the loading surface is 100 mm closer to the ground. The loading height is increased accordingly. “This allows employees to climb up more easily and makes manual loading and unloading more comfortable,” explains Marc-Alexander Stachel. “Even the basic version offers various additional loading positions, so that multiple orders can be delivered in an orderly fashion on multiple frames at once.” The open design of the attachment regularly proves itself useful: for example, a forklift can access the frames, boxes or pallets from all sides. The front wall of the flatbed is another component of the attachment and offers additional options for securing the load with lashing straps.
Side rack as a loading position for oversized cargo
As an addition to the flatbed, a side rack increases both the number of storage surfaces and the surface area of the loading position. Depending on the manufacturer and vehicle type, windows, panes or oversized structural elements with a maximum size of approx. 4,300 mm long and 2,850 mm tall can be transported and easily secured. If more loading positions are required, the rack can be installed on both sides of the flatbed. “For a next-level conversion, it is worth combining with a padded horizontal interior support. There, the load is held in position without slipping and is securing using lashing straps.
Usually, the flatbed is painted to match the vehicle. The aluminium rack can optionally be selected in the vehicle colour.
Conversion without limits
For the transport of materials and tools, toolboxes can be embedded in the loading surface, which are accessible from the side. Other additional options, like an access step, are possible. “We also very much recommend an air suspension, which autonomously compensates for differences in load and offers increased driver comfort and safety,” says the HEGLA Managing Director. “There are virtually no limits to the flexibility that can be achieved when we convert a vehicle into a glass-industry van. For example, it’s also possible to install a light crane, which loads and unloads the cargo, regardless of the conditions on site,” adds Marc-Alexander Stachel.
The conversion is based on HEGLA’s basic model and is available for all types of drive.
A side rack increases both the number of storage surfaces and the surface area of the loading position.
The rack enables user-friendly loading with oversized cargo at a comfortable height.
C-rails in the rack allow the load to be secured with clamping shoes. The frames can be flexibly loaded from different sides.
The load or the frames can be positioned both crossways and lengthways. The limiting factor is the total permissible weight of the vehicle.