Italian transport specialist Geo Trasporti has completed the delivery of 27 wind turbine blades to RWE's Mondonuovo wind farm in Mesagne, in the Apulia region, using two Astra HD9 trucks.
The project began on February 17th with the first 81 metre blade transport from Brindisi Harbour to the site, 40 kilometres away. The company used specially equipped blade lifting vehicles to move components for nine turbines, each rated at 5.9 megawatts.
The blades ready to leave Brindisi Harbour
The Astra HD9s - purchased in 2024 - feature three drive axles and can handle loads of up to 500 tonnes. Each truck is equipped with an Allison 4700SP automatic transmission driven by Euro6 engines rated at 570hp.
The truck manoeuvring in Brindisi heading towards Mesagne
Geo Trasporti commercial and technical manager Massimo Carlini said: "Every manoeuvre is critical in such a transport and not losing power is essential, not only to save fuel but especially to ensure vehicle control during low speed manoeuvres."
Roberto (L) and his brother Massimo Carlini of Geo Trasporti
Simone Pace, Allison sales manager added: “The torque converter in the Allison fully automatic transmission multiplies the engine's torque at startup, which helps a lot when starting with very heavy or bulky loads: the driver doesn't need to work too hard with the gearbox and the starts are smooth, with gentle gear shifts.”
Simone Pace alongside the blade and truck
The Rome based company operates 25 road tractors and 50 trailers, including three blade-lifting vehicles. The wind farm is scheduled for completion in June 2025.
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