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 focuses on heavy and out of the ordinary transport solutions. The company’s split modules provide a heavy haul portfolio in terms of vehicle width, namely 2,430mm, 3,000mm, 4,900mm, 5,330mm and up to 6,350mm in coupled combinations plus unlimited free combinations.

In addition to 30 PST/ES-E (315) axle lines, Kahl’s recent order also includes 8 PST/ES-E (285) axle lines with variable track width. Andreas Kahl, managing director of the Kahl Group, explains. “We opted for the Goldhofer self-propelled modules because they offer unique and unrivalled 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 2.43m, to widen under load. This enables us to organise our transports even more efficiently and safely.” 

Axle widening under load provides the same lateral stability as a 3,000mm wide self-propelled transporter. With a basic width of 2,430mm, all PST/ES-E modules are suitable for flat rack shipping, a further advantage in terms of economical fleet management. With typical Goldhofer combinability, with all vehicles in the ‘THP’ family, self-propelled transporters, and in particular the new ‘FT Series’, the modules are said to be 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 then new FT Series heavy duty module generation. 28 of these features an extremely high bending moment, which allows for even higher payloads. The FT Series itself 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 advantage of simple integration into the existing fleet as modules can be adjusted at any time. Goldhofer states that with its intelligent design, the wheel set not only has an optimised suspension stroke of 640mm, and a steering angle of 60o, but also has the flexibility to adapt to changing requirements. There are five different single and twin tyre options to choose from for a loading height of between 760mm and 940mm and axle loads of 22t to 45t. 

Kahl’s newly acquired FT units complements its high girder bridge, which is a product collaboration between Goldhofer and Greiner. This is said to be an innovative and unique transport solution which can handle payloads of up to 600t. The Kahl Group has made successful use of its acquisition for several bridge construction projects, including installation of the new Rhine Bridge near Leverkusen in 2022. It has also been the key to success in transporting generators for various international projects. With the 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 now believes it is ideally positioned to act as a full service provider for heavy haul and lift operations in support of  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 10,000t. The company is also investing in new locations in northern and eastern Germany in order to offer customers even better service, with a particular focus on its Erfurt facility, which benefits local industry.

Kahl and Goldhofer have enjoyed 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 specialised 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,” concludes Andreas Kahl.