1969 - A brief look back
The year was 1969, and Neil Armstrong, the American astronaut on the Apollo 11 mission, spoke the legendary words: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Great euphoria and enthusiasm in the year of the moon landing, however, also at Edscha: The first truck sliding roof "sees" the light of day. And is perceived by many truck drivers as a "huge step" for the logistics industry. Because compared with a conventional platform body with drop sides and tarpaulin, the new full tarpaulin roof system enabled fast and above all uncomplicated loading and unloading.
Discontinued models
However, the rear of the truck is still dominated by the old familiar: In curtainsider vehicles, the so-called container doors ensure safety and stability at the rear of the truck. However, these are heavy constructions in terms of weight alone. And they are not easy to handle. The situation is similar for dropside vehicles. The "skid or throw tarpaulin" is still at the forefront in this area. However, the future will belong to a solution that not only compensates for the disadvantages of both aforementioned systems in times of climate change, increasing logistics services and growing operating costs, but improves them with a view to the future. The name for tomorrow's new standard: Soft-Door.
In demand: ease, speed and safety
In the search for new ways to improve access at the rear, Edscha TS successfully used a roll-up door (soft door) for the first time. Comparison showed that the main disadvantages of the container door were the advantages of the soft door. The container door is heavy. In comparison, the Soft-Door is lightweight. Loading and unloading the vehicle at the rear is also faster and less complicated with the Soft-Door. In principle, three handles are enough to raise or lower the Soft-Door. A further handle with the "sliding bar" and the Soft-Door with the tarpaulin of the sliding roof can simply be moved further. In doing so, the Soft-Door assumes a lateral position that does not interfere and allows more space for cargo.
Technology that works smoothly
By the way, with the help of diagonal stiffening elements, such a soft door can also be used in the context of load-safe superstructures (with XL certificate). In this case, the basic advantages of the tarpaulin remain the same: unbeatably light and incredibly robust against any kind of external influence, and also super easy to maintain.
Load-safe superstructures
By the way, with the help of diagonal stiffening elements, such a soft door can also be used in the context of load-safe superstructures (with XL certificate). In this case, the basic advantages of the tarpaulin remain the same: unbeatably light and incredibly robust against any kind of external influence, and also super easy to maintain.
Also very advantageous economically
The investment in an Edscha TS system with a soft door solution pays for itself after a relatively short time. The technical equipment saves time. Operation is uncomplicated. The system is virtually maintenance-free. Money is saved mainly by the sophisticated design in combination with a very low weight. Low weight in this context means the ability to pack more cargo onto the vehicle. The lightness of a soft door pays off not least in terms of operating costs. Anyone who currently takes a look at the high fuel prices knows what is meant here, among other things.
Decide correctly
As a rule, a soft door solution is always the right choice when it comes to a VP or CS sliding tarpaulin system. However, then always in conjunction with diagonal stiffening elements to enable the same functionality in terms of load securing as with a container door. If the worst comes to the worst, the vehicle builder can help with his experience and expertise in conjunction with an experienced tarpaulin fabricator, "what goes best at the back".
