Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT)

2430mm Extra-Wide Adaptability | Modular Intelligent Transportation Solutions

A self propelled modular transporter, commonly shortened to SPMT, is a hydraulic heavy duty transport system built from individual axle modules and a Power Pack Unit (PPU). Each module can be joined side by side or end to end, so the platform can be scaled up or down to match the size and weight of the cargo. This is what separates an SPMT from a standard trailer. It does not need a separate tractor, since the PPU drives, steers and lifts the whole assembly.

Shiyun builds the SYZ2430 self propelled modular transporter, a 2430mm wide platform compatible with SCHEUERLE coupling standards. It is designed for operators who need a dependable self propelled modular transportation system for repeat heavy haul work, not a one off rental unit.

How a Self Propelled Modular Transporter Works

Every SPMT self propelled modular transporter is built around two elements working together.

  • Power Pack Unit (PPU): supplies hydraulic power, electrical control and drive force to the connected modules
  • Hydraulic axle modules: carry the load, steer independently and adjust height through hydraulic suspension

The modules can run in horizontal or vertical combinations. All axle lines lift and steer in sync, which keeps the load level even when the platform crosses uneven ground. Shiyun’s system supports remote operation over long distances, and the driving and lifting precision stays consistent even on continuous, multi day moves.

This design lets a single self propelled modular transporter system carry loads from 50 tons up to 30,000 tons, depending on how many modules are coupled together.

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

Where SPMT Units Are Used

Because the platform height, width and axle count are all adjustable, an SPMT can be configured for almost any oversized or overweight load. Shiyun’s transporters are most commonly deployed for:

  • Shipbuilding and ship repair, moving hull sections between assembly bays and dry docks
  • Offshore oil and gas platform modules
  • Petrochemical plant components and reactor vessels
  • Bridge girder and span installation, including self propelled modular transportation for bridge deck sections
  • Port and terminal handling of oversized containers or industrial equipment

1.Hydraulic Modules

Our SYZ2430 model SPMT is available in 4-axle or 6-axle modular configurations, both integrating core components including a frame, steering system, hydraulic suspension system, hydraulic piping system, drive system, braking system, wheel system, and electrical control system. The frame of both modules is welded from Q690E high-strength steel plates with a triangular main beam structure for enhanced durability. Equipped with a rack and pinion cylinder-driven steering system, they offer a steering angle range of -100° to +130° for exceptional maneuverability. Their hydraulic suspension systems use cylinders to adjust frame height, providing a 700mm frame travel, while the hydraulic lifting system features a zone function that allows flexible division of the hydraulic suspension into 3 or 4 zones with easy configuration switching. The braking system is cylinder-controlled for reliable performance, with the 4-axle module’s drive system adopting a hydraulic motor combined with a lifting mechanism and the 6-axle module’s drive system utilizing a hydraulic motor paired with a reducer.

Name Module
Axle lines46
Length(mm)56008400
Width(mm)24302430
Height(mm)1500±3501500±350
Lowest height (mm)11501150
Wheel base14001400
Track width14501450
Tare weight4.5Ton/axle line4.5Ton/axle line
Tire size355/65R15355/65R15
Rim size9.75-159.75-15
Tare weight/axle line(Ton)4.5Ton/axle line4.5Ton/axle line
Tare weight(Ton)1827
Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

4 axis lines SPMT

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

6 axis lines SPMT

Modular Unit Vehicle Sub-item Introduction:

1.1 The Frame :
The frame is welded from Q690E high-strength steel plates, and the main beam has a triangular structure.To achieve welding accuracy and minimize deformation, specialized welding fixtures are crafted

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

The steering system: The steering system adopts a rack-and-pinion cylinder design. Its hydraulic cylinder piston rod is engineered with a rack structure: hydraulic oil acts on the piston, driving the rack-structured piston rod to move smoothly. This rod meshes seamlessly with a gear, initiating gear rotation. Connected to the gear is the hydraulic suspension—responsible for supporting the axles and tires—with the gear’s rotation directly transmitted to the tires. This mechanism propels the vehicle across the ground while enabling precise and smooth turning maneuverability.

Hydraulic suspension system:The hydraulic suspension system consists of key components including a rotating bracket, a lifting arm, and a lifting cylinder. This hydraulic cylinder boasts a 360mm stroke, a 146mm cylinder diameter, and a 140mm rod diameter. Crucially, the mechanism functions as a stroke amplifier: extending the hydraulic cylinder through its full 360mm stroke achieves a remarkable 700mm increase in the distance between the tire and the vehicle frame, delivering an amplification ratio of approximately 1.94.

Driving system

Brake system: The braking system comprises key components including a brake bridge and brake cylinder. When the cylinder remains unpressurized, it defaults to the braking position. Braking disengages once the cylinder’s oil supply pressure exceeds 15MPa.

2.PPU-Power Pack Unit

The Platform Unit (PPU) comprises key components including an engine, air filter, muffler, radiator, intercooler, oil cooler, variable displacement pump, fuel tank, hydraulic oil tank, and battery. It delivers reliable hydraulic power and electrical supply to the platform vehicle. The PPU is connected to the platform vehicle via an articulation joint and a tilting cylinder: the tilting cylinder’s push-pull action enables adjusting the PPU’s angle with the ground between 0° and 11°, while the engine’s power provides a maximum climbing capacity of 6%. The hydraulic modules on the platform vehicle can be operated manually or remotely from the PPU, facilitating precise lifting and lowering of cargo.

Name PPU
Engine and capacity330-390KW
Size (mm)4200*2310*1100
Tare weight (Tons)6.3
PPU Lifting angle11 degree
Hydraulic oil tank capacity (L)500L
Remote controllerRadio
Drive capacityMax 40 axis lines

3.Steering mode

The sophisticated steering technology of the SPMT allows precision-positioning of the heaviest of loads. The individual module transporters can be coupled in any combination, either mechanically or in open combinations. The steering technology guarantees the synchronized control of all module transporters integrated in the coupling mode. Electronic all-wheel steering makes the module transporters extremely maneuverable. This makes them suitable to transport almost any load and provides precision-positioning of ± 2 mm.

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter
Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

4.Modular unit carpooling mode diagram and symbols

Self-Propelled Modular Transporter

5.Wide application fields:

Why Choose Shiyun as Your SPMT Manufacturer

Shiyun Trailers designs and manufactures heavy-duty trailers and self-propelled modular transporter systems for shipbuilding, energy, petrochemical, and infrastructure projects. The SYZ2430 is engineered for SCHEUERLE compatibility, so operators expanding an existing fleet can integrate Shiyun modules without replacing what they already run. As a self-propelled modular transporter manufacturer based in Qingdao, Shiyun also supports project-specific configurations, from single module setups to large multi module platforms.

Related FAQs

What does SPMT stand for?

SPMT stands for self-propelled modular transporter. It is a hydraulic platform vehicle built from coupled axle modules, driven by a Power Pack Unit rather than a separate tractor.

Capacity depends on how many modules are coupled together. A single 4 axle module in the SYZ2430 range handles a portion of the total load, while a fully assembled platform can carry anywhere from 50 tons to 30,000 tons.

A modular trailer is towed by a separate prime mover. A self-propelled modular transporter carries its own drive system through the PPU, so it steers, drives and lifts without an external tractor.

Yes. The SYZ2430 is built to SCHEUERLE-compatible coupling standards, so it can integrate with existing SCHEUERLE-style fleets.