Kübler makes light work of transporting 285 tonne transformer

Getting the 285 tonne load through the town of Offenburg. Photo: TII Scheuerle

Transporting a 285 tonne transformer was the first application of Spedition Kübler’s new STB 320 side girder deck.

The German heavy transport specialist used its new equipment, jointly developed with manufacturer TII Scheuerle, to handle the giant load for electricity transmission system operator TransnetBW.

The STB 320 can carry a 320 tonne load and travel at 12 tonnes per axle instead of the more usual 14 tonnes of other equipment of this type. The manufacturer also describes it as an ultra-lightweight design, weighing 50 tonnes.

It can be assembled in axle combinations from 9+9 to 22+22. With 18+18 axles and above, the load sits above the axle lines. Self-supporting transformers up to 12.5 metres long can be suspended directly between the bridge ends with 15+15 axles.

The Scheuerle STB 320 demonstrating manoeuvrability on tight bends. Photo: TII Scheuerle

Getting going

Starting on the evening of 9th July 2025 the exceptional transport got underway from Offenburg railway freight station. It was heading for the Offenburg-Weier transformer substation 10 kilometres away. The three-hour journey included bridge crossings, small roundabouts and a complicated urban route.

Primary design requirements for the STB 320 were “to create a modular, weight-optimised vehicle that could safely move maximum loads even under the most challenging of infrastructural conditions,” TII Scheuerle said.

Two bridges along the route were the biggest challenge for Kübler. The Kinzig Bridge is an 80 metre-long cantilever design where the static load limits would not have been met using conventional transporters. It was possible for the STB 320 due to its reduced dead weight and flexible axle configuration.

Precision movement

The overall combination length for this transport was about 80 metres. Photo: TII Scheuerle

In addition to making the most of the new deck’s manoeuvrability, the lifting and lowering functions were used to get the transport under a pedestrian bridge and over high traffic islands. Coupling operations were also made easier by the new deck’s hydraulically-adjustable auxiliary beams.

The hydraulics also came into their own to precisely lower the transformer onto its prepared foundation. No other lifting or handling equipment was needed.

“With the STB 320, we have a transport solution that is perfectly tailored to meet the requirements of modern transformer transportation. The combination of a high load capacity, reduced axle load and flexible application options opens up completely new transport options for us – especially in infrastructure-sensitive locations. The successful first deployment has shown that we are ideally positioned for dealing with future challenges,” Kübler said.

Heavy transport specialist contractor Spedition Kübler helped develop the new STB 320 side girder deck from TII Scheuerle. Photo: TII Scheuerle