Latest Nooteboom MANOOVR Semi Low-loader for van Wijgerden Transport

How are the first experiences with the Manoovr?

Rinus: “When I bought the first 6-axle Manoovr unseen Dick Nooteboom said: ‘Mark my words, as soon as you see it you will order another one’. And he was right. For us the Manoovr is a godsend. Yesterday we loaded a stone crusher in Antwerp for Lleida in Spain. This machine is 3.60 metres tall and weighs 60 tonnes. With the 78cm low floor of the Manoovr we stay below 4.50 metres. This is definitely the maximum height allowed for longer trips through Europe. The generous suspension travel of the Manoovr is a huge advantage when driving through Belgium and France. Without pendle axles the first level crossing would already cause problems. With this stone crusher we can lower the entire trailer another twelve centimetres for passing under viaducts.”

Back to 1986.

“Before 1986 I drove containers for a few years. An uncle advised me to buy a twin axle tractor with a Nooteboom semi-trailer. After 30 years of reliable service we offered this semi-trailer in part exchange for a new Pendel-X. When I made the purchase in 1986 I also met Dick Nooteboom for the first time. During those years we also developed a most enjoyable relationship with Dick.”

Never looked at another make?

“Of course I have looked, and requested quotes too, but we have driven only Nooteboom semi-trailers for 30 years. For one reason only: we come from the day-to-day practice and Nooteboom listens to our experiences. We much prefer driving instead of having repairs done. Down-time costs you twice, you have to pay the invoice and you are at a standstill. Nooteboom is the most economical option for us because no other make can match the low maintenance costs and high residual value of Nooteboom. We don’t just look at the purchase price; we also factor in what the semi-trailer is going to cost us when in service.”

The Manoovr increased our lead

Before we end the conversation there is a remarkable statement: “With our new Nooteboom trailers we stay ahead of the crisis and competition. Look at it this way: it may well be that the next few years are not going to be easy for the heavy transport industry. We have the most up-to-date vehicles with the lowest maintenance costs and tyre costs. And what’s more, with 12 tonnes per axle we have the highest load capacity. With Nooteboom we have always managed to stay one step ahead of our competitors. And with the Manoovr we just increased our lead.”