This protective task can be quickly solved with so-called safety jacks. They are positioned at the front to support the trailer. They can be easily moved manually on rollers and can therefore be used by any trained person without any additional aids. While all models serve the same core task, namely to protect the semi-trailer from tipping over, they differ significantly from one another in terms of design.

If longevity is important, a hot-dip galvanized version should be chosen, as they do not start to rust if the paint is damaged like painted models. The models also differ in the width of the support surface. The wider this is chosen, the more the trailer can be prevented from swaying sideways.

Another criterion to consider is the fleet of vehicles to be secured, as the height variance that a Safety Jack has to cover depends on this. For example, a fleet consisting only of mega trailers requires a lower version, and if the vehicles vary greatly, you should either have high and low models available or, for example, choose a model with a winch, which can usually cover even higher height differences.

Winch versions also have the great advantage that they can be positioned with a positive fit, as they can be easily released under load. High-quality 2-gear winches in particular, which have a load gear and a fast gear, are ideal for this purpose. However, as with all products, not all winches are the same, so a close look and quality pay off in terms of durability.

Details, such as the option of adding a reflective surface to make the Safety Jack even more visible to approaching tractor units, round off the wide range of options, which offers a suitable design for every need and application.

In order to simply and effectively counteract the negative effects of modern trucks springing in too deeply during loading, there are also solutions for the rear support that are similar to the front support, but are completely separate designs in order to optimally meet the requirements of this application. These safety jacks are pushed sideways under the side members of the vehicle using a long, ergonomically shaped handle, thus preventing the truck from deflecting too much. What all models for this application have in common is that their support is specially adapted to the task of laterally supporting the truck side members, i.e. they are particularly narrow and equipped with a stop. This means that they can also be placed in very narrow gaps between the wheel arch and other substructures. This is particularly important, as in most vehicles this installation space is already used intensively for substructures such as toolboxes or pallet carriers.

For those who want to monitor the use of the Safety Jack using sensors, Arnold Verladesysteme offers another new product that makes it possible to monitor the parking position by radio (without battery and rechargeable batteries) and transmit this information to a control unit. It makes it possible to issue a warning if the vehicle is removed too early - visually with a traffic light and acoustically with an alarm tone. It also allows the ramp to be linked so that it can only be used after the truck has been secured.

This can also be combined with the Arnold radio wedge, so that the semi-trailer is secured against both rolling and tipping and sensors monitor this. This means that the loader can always see the status from the gate via an indicator lamp or traffic light without having to constantly go outside to check for any changes. This saves time, increases safety and reduces errors.

An article from materialfluss 8-9/21.