New East flatbed stronger but lighter

The East BST rated at 50,000 lb capacity now has a bigger brother. The BST II has a 62,000 lb rating in four feet, but it is lighter. It weighs 9,000 lb and is still in road and dynamic testing. Drivers say it is more stable and flexes less in cornering and maneuvering. Among other weight-saving measures are tubular crossmembers supporting the 1¼" extruded flooring and all-aluminum suspension hangers. East Manufacturing in Randolph, Ohio, also has the MMX model rated at 72,000 lb, so the BST II is an in-between model.