DOLL^® drives forward redesign in timber transport

It all started in autumn 2019 with the LOGO 14H and now it’s time for the LOGO 14X and LOGO 14XL: DOLL^® is extending its LOGO 14 semi-trailer range. “With the revised vehicle family, we are provided the utmost levels of flexibility,” emphasises Renato Ramella, managing director of DOLL Fahrzeugbau GmbH. The frame structure, which has been optimised in terms of payload but is also suitable for off-road use, the low loading height and high degree of flexibility form the basis of the 3-axle bolster semi-trailer. It can transport timber lengths from 2 to 14 metres and, unlike rigid trailers, the telescopic extension also makes it possible to load via the rear. When driving without a load, the trailers are very short and manoeuvrable. In addition, the robust, durable vehicles boast low maintenance and repair costs.

DOLL^® heralded the overhaul and extension of the range with the LOGO 14H, which was designed primarily for Central and Eastern European markets. With hydraulic connections to the body, the trailers are designed for permanent use with a 6x4 truck with crane, where the focus is on quick self-loading with different timber lengths. The hydraulic telescopic extension with infinitely variable lock is therefore customised accordingly to make handling as quick and simple as possible.

Flexible use for different logistics concepts

With the same rear section length as the 14H, the LOGO 14X, which has now also be revised, now forms the counterpart for the German market. Key features include a mechanical telescopic extension and a short rear frame overhang, which means that the trailers can be driven with both 6x4 trucks with crane and standard 4x2 trucks. Thanks to the compact design, comparatively small crane reaches are required for self-loading and third-party loading, plus the low dead weight allows a high payload.

Based on the 14X, the 14XL is now bringing a completely new model to the LOGO family. In this case, DOLL^® is combining a mechanical telescopic extension with a long rear frame overhang. As a result, the crane reach required for loading has increased compared to the 14X but the burden has been taken off the rear axle of the 4x2 semi-trailer truck when this is used. In other words, thanks to the loading surface, which has been extended by 80 cm, the LOGO 14XL offers maximum flexibility in terms of timber lengths that can be transported, even with a 4x2 truck. “We knew the telescopic LOGO 14XL was the right choice for us. It’s a practical, nimble vehicle to use in forests, but it still allows us to transport long timber measuring up to 15 metres,” Martin Wagner, managing director of Wagner GmbH, recalls from experience.

Both variants, the LOGO 14X and 14XL, are therefore suitable for self-loading and third-party loading or 6x4 and 4x2 trucks – however, with different weighting. If self-loading with a 6x4 crane vehicle is the norm, DOLL^® recommends the 14X and then the heavier 14XL if not. In each case, different logistics concepts can be implemented, such as self-loading with a 6x4 in the forest and payload-optimised onward transport to the sawmill with a 4x2. In this version, the loading machine is free again for the next trip directly after switching. Alternatively, the 4x2 semi-trailer can go along with a crane vehicle for third-party loading.

From practice, for use in practice

As part of the redesign, all new LOGO 14s benefit from numerous minor improvements. For example, it is now possible to lock the frame of the semi-trailer using a remote control, increasing convenience for the driver greatly. No further installations are required on the truck for the system and the mechanical operating mechanism on the frame remains as well. The new designs manage with considerably fewer individual parts, offer weight savings of up to 300 kg and are equipped with a new, wear-resistant aluminium profile base. Further improvements relate to the option to relocate the bolster to the front section (recommended for loading and unloading with heavy-duty grabs, for example) and the preparation for the screw-on front wall modules at the factory. A new rear design with underride guard according to ECE-R 58 Rev. 003 also forms part of the range of measures. The regulation has been in force since 2021 and requires lower installation and considerably greater forces to be absorbed. In implementing this, DOLL^® has also introduced new lamp holders with full LED lighting and dynamic indicators. With the extended loading surface, there is also more storage space for larger toolboxes on the LOGO 14XL on top of everything else. By the way, the ideas for the various individual measures came immediately from practice. In the current redesign programme, implemented by an in-house development department separate from day-to-day operations, the customer’s request are being incorporated as key factors.