KAHL MAKING A MASSIVE INVESTMENT IN EQUIPMENT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS OF THE FUTURE

The Kahl Group, one of Europe’s leading heavy haul and lift specialists, has once again placed its trust in Goldhofer quality and performance. In January 2024, the company invested in 38 PST/ES-E self-propelled axle lines to increase its capacity for challenging infrastructure projects. In combination with its existing fleet, Kahl can now move up to 10,000 tons of payload while ensuring maximum safety and flexibility.

With 100 self-propelled axle lines (PST) and around 250 towed axle lines from Goldhofer, the Kahl Group has one of the largest vehicle fleets in Europe. Kahl is in its element wherever heavy and out-of-the-ordinary transport solutions are required. The company’s split modules also give it a unique  heavy-haul portfolio in terms of vehicle width, namely 2,430 mm, 3,000 mm, 4,900 mm, 5,330 mm and up to 6,350 mm in coupled combinations plus unlimited free combinations.

In addition to 30 type PST/ES-E (315) axle lines, the order also includes 8 PST/ES-E (285) axle lines with variable track width, as Andreas Kahl, Managing Director of the Kahl Group, explains. “We opted for the Goldhofer self-propelled modules because they offer unique and unrivaled tractive power and performance, which is essential for our challenging projects. We are convinced of the technical advantages that Goldhofer offers as a market leader in the heavy-haul industry. Also of decisive importance for us is the ability of the PST/ES-E (285) modules, with a basic width of 2.43 meters, to widen under load. This enables us to organize our transports even more efficiently and safely.” Axle widening under load provides the same lateral stability as a 3,000 mm wide self-propelled transporter. With a basic width of 2,430 mm, all PST/ES-E modules are suitable for flat rack shipping, a further advantage in terms of economical fleet management. With their typical Goldhofer combinability with all vehicles in the THP family, self-propelled transporters and in particular the new »FT SERIES«, the modules are the ideal choice for a wide range of applications and loads. With the new PST/ES-E transporters, the Kahl Group can handle complex lift and shift operations, especially in combination with jack-up systems from Greiner, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic lifting equipment.

In 2023, the Kahl Group previously invested in 38 axle lines of Goldhofer's new »FT SERIES« heavy-duty module generation. 28 of these FT axle lines feature an extremely high bending moment, which allows for even higher payloads. The »FT SERIES« is a modular transport system offering a high degree of flexibility and investment security, as it can be adapted to handle different requirements and loads. It also has the big advantage of simple integration into the existing fleet, as the »FT SERIES« modules can be adjusted accordingly at any time. With its intelligent design, the wheel set not only has an optimized suspension stroke of 640 mm and a steering angle of 60 degrees but also the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements – even after purchase. There are five different single and twin tire options to choose from for a loading height of between 760 mm and 940 mm and axle loads of 22 to 45 tons.

Kahl’s newly acquired »FT SERIES« perfectly complements its G² K 600 high girder bridge. Also a product of collaboration between Goldhofer and Greiner, this innovative and unique transport solution can handle payloads of up to 600 tons. The Kahl Group has made successful use of the G² K 600 for several bridge construction projects, including installation of the new Rhine Bridge near Leverkusen in 2022. The G² K 600 has also been the key to success in transporting generators for various international projects. With the new »FT SERIES« axle lines plus the combination of unique load distribution and reduced deadweight, the Kahl Group is now equipped to handle an even wider range of payloads.

Thanks to its long-standing and dependable partnership with Goldhofer, the Kahl Group is thus ideally positioned as a full-service provider for heavy haul and lift operations in support of pioneering infrastructure projects. This also includes projects in the energy sector, where high-performance and flexible transport solutions are required. The Kahl Group has a large fleet of vehicles and can move payloads of up to 10,000 tons as a sole provider. The company is also investing in new locations in northern and eastern Germany in order to offer customers even better service. A particular focus is on the Erfurt facility, which benefits from local industry.

Kahl and Goldhofer enjoy a long-standing and successful partnership based on mutual trust and respect. The two companies have a shared vision of developing and implementing innovative and customer-oriented solutions for the heavy and specialized transport industry. With its latest investment in Goldhofer equipment, the Kahl Group is underscoring its mission to be a European pioneer in heavy haulage, capable of handling all heavy, large and bulky loads. “Goldhofer technology scores in terms of safety, flexibility and combinability. In addition, Goldhofer provides solutions that are more sustainable and more economical in the long term than comparable competitors,” says Kahl.