Swap body systems are a central component of modern special vehicles, especially for the fire department, the German Armed Forces and various other authorities and organizations with security tasks (BOS). These swap body systems make it possible to load and unload containers or special superstructures quickly and efficiently onto vehicles based on trucks. Thanks to the modularity of this system, the vehicles can be used flexibly and multifunctionally, which means better use of resources and lower operating costs.
Structure and mode of operation
Interchangeable loader systems essentially consist of a loading device permanently installed on the chassis of the vehicle, which allows interchangeable roll-off containers or platforms to be picked up and transported. These containers can perform a variety of tasks, starting with material logistics, for example the transportation of liquids such as drinking water or fuel, by equipping the swap body with tanks. Furthermore, a swap body with a living container can be used to accommodate personnel or set up mobile infrastructures such as field hospitals or laboratories instead of a swap body with a tank.
There are various technical solutions for swap body loader systems that have developed over time:
- Underride system: A system in which the container is driven under and picked up by the vehicle. However, this system has not proven itself in the fire department.
- Swivel arm system (skip handler): Here, two lateral swivel arms lift the container onto the vehicle. This system was one of the earliest swap body systems and was used in some German fire departments.
- Rope system (sliding tipper): In this system, the container is pulled onto an inclined unloading device using ropes. This system has largely been replaced by the hook system.
- Hook system: Today, the hook system is the standard for swap bodies with tanks or containers. A hydraulically operated hook pulls the roll-off container onto the vehicle.
- Low-floor pallet trucks: These specialized vehicles, manufactured almost exclusively by Ruthmann, are used primarily in the chemical industry.
Use in the military
In a military context, particularly in the German Armed Forces, swap body systems have been specially developed to meet the demanding conditions of deployment. A prominent example from the Bundeswehr is the Multi system (mechanized handling, storage and transport integration), which is based on a civilian roll-off container system and loads and unloads containers using a gripper arm. The further development of this system, known in the German armed forces as "Multi 2", has integrated armor that provides protection for the occupants. This system is not limited to Bundeswehr trucks, but is also used by other armies such as the Austrian Army, the British Army and the US Army.
Interchangeable loader systems in military operations offer a high degree of flexibility and make a significant contribution to the rapid development of infrastructure in operational areas. They enable the transportation of troops, material or liquids and thus support the logistical requirements of modern military operations.
All this means that interchangeable loader systems are a decisive factor for the flexibility and efficiency of special vehicles in both the civilian and military sectors and are particularly important for equipping Bundeswehr trucks. The ability to quickly change different superstructures significantly increases the versatility of the vehicles. This leads to better use of resources and helps to cut costs and reduce personnel and maintenance costs. In military operations, these systems also offer a considerable tactical advantage by supporting the rapid deployment of operational infrastructures.
