Based near Bagenalstown in Co Carlow, Sam and Clive Smyth have been building trailers since 1994. After securing a significant order of 10 26ft tri-axle silage trailers from a Robinson Farms in New Mexico last year, the Smyths have just built two more trailers for the US contractor. This time they have gone even bigger and added an extra axle.

The trailer featured has internal measurements of 32ft long, 9ft wide and 8ft 6in high. Weighing in at just over 11t, this 70 cubic metre trailer is designed to carry a 36t load (over 40 US tonne). It took approximately 150 man hours to build the monster trailer. Smyths believe this is one of the largest purpose-built silage trailers in Europe.

Sitting on four axles, the trailer is shod on 170HD (heavy duty) 600/55R26.5 BKT tyres. The tyres need to be heavy duty as this trailer will be working in extreme temperatures of up to 40°C and beyond.

Both the front and rear axles are forced-steered. This means the axles don’t have to be locked straight for reversing. The trailer follows the movements of the tractor through a bar attached to a smaller ball and spoon that runs parallel to the drawbar, a similar system to what is used on forage wagons and rakes on today’s market.

The trailer has also been fitted with a Lincoln autolube system, quite an unusual sight in Ireland. The unit itself is neatly positioned inside the toolbox at the side of the trailer. The trailer has a hydraulic front mesh that folds down 90°. This is used for rear filling maize from behind the forager. The large Donatelli ram requires 70l of oil to tip the trailer.

This trailer is priced at €65,000 plus VAT. Sam Smyth explained the cost of shipping it to the US is around €8,000 plus VAT. He estimates the shipping will take around 24 days. The trailer is destined to be pulled by a new 900 series Fendt.

The large Donatelli ram requires 70 litres of oil to tip the trailer.

Other specs include auto reversing lights, a hydraulic tailboard, LED lights, air and hydraulic brakes, and a ball and spoon hitch. The trailer is also fitted with the Distag RT breakaway handbrake system for added safety.

Speaking about the business, Sam said: “It started almost accidently back in 1994 when we bought a welder to do bits in our spare time. Now we have loads of welders and no spare time.”

This trailer is priced at €65,000 plus VAT.

Smyth Engineering exports about 50% of the trailers it builds. These trailers go to countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Denmark and Sweden. Sam said historically the UK would have accounted for up to 50% of the company’s export market.

The company will soon start construction of a new shed on its premises. Currently running at full production capacity, Sam explained that they are aiming to increase staff by 15% in the near future.