Scheuerle Fahrzeugfabrik GmbH

The new SPMT generation from SCHEUERLE with STEPS.3 control technology

– totally reliable in demanding conditions

The new generation of self-propelled modular platform transporters (SPMT) from SCHEUERLE are equipped with the new STEPS.3 steering technology (SCHEUERLE Transport Electronic Processor system: 3rd generation). With this, SCHEUERLE has developed a vehicle system with highly-functional steering engineering to meet, in particular, the demands encountered in heavy load transport.



Heavy and special transportation with modular vehicle units call for great flexibility of use where the transportation units are concerned. Depending upon the size and weight of the load to be transported, the arrangement of the vehicle units must be suitably arranged under the shipment. In order to ensure subsequent smooth and, above all, trouble-free transport, accurate synchronisation of the vehicle units must take place beforehand. Only then is it certain that the entire group of linked transportation units function in unison to raise the load evenly in all places, that each wheel adopts its correct steering angle and the drive units are set in motion uniformly.



Using today´s modular transporters, loads of 15,000 tonnes and more can be handled. With such enormous weights, more than 1,000 pendulum axles must be steered in an extremely controlled manner. Dimensions of this order clearly show the very high levels of efficiency and reliability the on-board computers on the vehicle units have to guarantee. In order to ensure this performance, SCHEUERLE has developed its own vehicle electronics – STEPS.3 (SCHEUERLE Transporter Electronic Processor System) – which is fully compatible with the SPMT of the previous generation.



STEPS.3 is a fully-electronic, digital steering and drive system which has been developed for use in the heavy industry sector. Together with extremely robust, industrially-manufactured control units, all components fulfil the tough requirements which arise on a daily basis in the heavy transportation business. Operations take place by means of a central, portable control console into which all information from the entire group of connected transportation units flows. A range of safety-relevant control elements monitor the vehicle when in use: potentiometers with direct measurement link-ups control the steering angle. The electronic ASR (anti-slip regulator) ensures that no hydraulic motor exceeds its permissible number of revolutions. Pressure sensors check the centre of gravity on the often very high loads thus avoiding any wheel overload. In a worst case scenario, separately configured electronics are available for emergency operations.



Depending upon the type and weight of the load being transported. the vehicle units can be positioned accordingly. Whether coupled lengthwise or laterally, as open combination in parallel formation, in T or V-shaped formations, STEPS.3 safely and reliably steers each vehicle in its individual position. Operations are carried out using a central, portable control console which collects all information from the connected transportation units. Specially developed steering programs provide the same maximum steering angles of +/- 130 degrees for all transportation units and, if necessary, individual drive axles can also be switched off within the hydraulic drive system. In addition, extreme temperatures, high air humidity, arid conditions or heavy showers cannot affect the operation reliability of the STEPS.3 system.



Through its sophisticated design, STEPS.3 provides a continuous control system, high process stability with appropriate equipment availability and extremely low maintenance costs. STEPS.3 from SCHEUERLE is trend-setting control engineering for challenging transportation tasks.



Enclosed photograph:

Using today´s modular transporters, loads of 15,000 tonnes and more can be handled. With such enormous weights, often more than 1,000 pendulum axles must be steered in an extremely controlled manner. STEPS.3 guarantees that each wheel has the correct steering angle and each drive axle the designated number of revolutions.



SCHEUERLE Fahrzeugfabrik GmbH

Transporters from SCHEUERLE are recognised across the world for their advanced technology and special product quality. Reliability in daily use, high load capacity and a long working life make the vehicles a very important component of modern logistical operations. The history of vehicle technology for heavy transport vehicles is closely connected with the name of SCHEUERLE and the company has a well-earned reputation of linking tradition and innovation. Together with KAMAG Transporttechnik in Ulm and NICOLAS Industries in Champs-sur-Yonne, France, SCHEUERLE belongs to the group of companies owned by the Heilbronn industrialist, Otto Rettenmaier. Within the group, the TII – Transporter Industry International heavy-load division is global market leader.