Release date: 17 December 2003

H E SERVICES ADVANCE WITH ANDOVER

The UK's largest specialist excavator hire company has turned to Andover Trailers yet again to provide the very latest in step frame technology.

H E Services has taken delivery of two SFCL 40 tri-axle step frame plant trailers – the strongest step frame trailers in their weight class, with a payload of more than 30 tonnes. These trailers incorporate a fabricated low profile frame, EBS braking and disc brake axles, and replace existing Andover-manufactured step frames that have been in operation for three years.

The trailers will be used by the plant hire giant to transport construction equipment to sites across the country and are fitted with fold-forward ramps that improve fuel consumption by approximately one mile per gallon.

Peter Durey, Managing Director of H E Services explains: “We have enjoyed a long term relationship with Andover Trailers and their step frames and plant bodies form a major part of our fleet. Continually loading, unloading and transporting heavy items of plant puts a lot of strain on any trailer, but the Andover products cope well with even the most demanding of work schedules.”

The 13.5m step frames feature a low profile neck and have been built to an exacting specification required by H E Services, which includes a lifting rear axle with both manual and solenoid control, BPW air suspension and disc brake axles with a raise & lower control. The trailers are constructed with a special low profile frame to minimise the deck height with the higher ride height suspension, which is due to the disc brake axles.

They will operate in conjunction with new DAF XF tractor units and are finished in a matching corporate blue livery. The tractor and trailer combination is expected to cover up to 100,000 miles a year and will remain on the fleet for up to three years.

“Our initial impression of the new tractor and trailer combination have been very positive,” adds Mr Durey. “The trucks are fitted with EBS and disc brake axles to match the trailers, and the drivers report the brakes feel very good.”

Release date: 1 December 2003

J COYLE HAULAGE TAKES THE ‘TROUBLE-FREE OPTION’

J Coyle Haulage Ltd has taken delivery of yet another step frame trailer from Andover Trailers – choosing what Managing Director John Coyle refers to as the ‘trouble-free option’.

The SFCL 56 tri-axle step frame with beavertail will be used for transporting general items of heavy plant such as road planers and excavators, and is the latest in a long line of Andover products to join the fleet.

“When I started the company 12 years ago I bought my first trailer from Ivan Collins, Sales Director at Andover,” explains Mr Coyle. “I was due to take delivery of the trailer in the New Year, but when the requirement for a step frame over the Christmas period arose, Ivan agreed to lend me a similar unit and I picked it up from him late afternoon on Christmas Eve.”

“Since then all my trailers have come from Andover, with the exception of one, which turned out to be a very costly mistake,” he adds. “Within six months the chassis had cracked and the aftersales back-up was virtually non-existent. Buying an Andover means buying strength and reliability, and if you do need parts then they are dispatched for next day delivery or delivered by car.”

The step frame is 13.5 m long and 2.75 m wide, and is equipped with a low profile neck and slide out extensions to the deck, bridge and beavertail. The specification includes hydraulic sideways travel to the uprated power toe ramps and a Hendrickson suspension with raise / lower control.

The trailer is plated at 56 tonnes and is expected to remain on the fleet for up to four years, covering approximately 100,000 km a year.

Release date: 16 October 2003

FIRST ANDOVER STEP FRAME FOR ASCROFT TRANSPORT LTD

Preston-based Ascroft Transport Ltd has taken delivery of its first step frame trailer from Andover Trailers - an SFCL 56 tri-axle step frame with beavertail, which will be used for transporting items of plant, including specialist machinery for Finning UK Ltd, the national Caterpillar dealer.

The trailer is 13.2 m long and 2.53 m wide, and is equipped with a low profile neck and slide out extensions to the deck, bridge and beavertail. There is also stowage for timbers under the bed, and a steel underlay floor.

The specification includes hydraulic sideways travel to the special heavy-duty power toe ramps, BPW air suspension and axles with raise / lower control and a self-steering rear axle. The trailer is also equipped with Andover’s safety light system for loading at night.

“This is the first Andover to join the fleet and our initial impressions have been very impressive,” explains Phil Ascroft, Managing Director. “The self steering rear axle makes the trailer very manoeuvrable and the outriggers enable us to transport CAT’s latest articulated dump trucks, which have a wider track than their predecessor, with ease.”

The trailer is plated at 56 tonnes and is expected to remain on the fleet for up to four years, covering approximately 120,000 km a year. It joins a fleet of seven tractor units and nine trailers, and will operate in conjunction with either an 80-tonne Volvo FH12 460 or a 150-tonne Scania 164-580.

Release date: 23 September 2003

ANDOVER STEAMS INTO OPERATION WITH HOLMERE TRANSPORT

Holmere Transport’s new Andover Trailers step frame entered operation in style when it was given its first assignment – to transport a 1914 steam-powered road locomotive.

The SFCL 40 tri-axle step frame with beavertail joins a fleet of two other Andover-built trailers and will be based at the company’ site in Salisbury, Wiltshire, covering up to 50,000 km a year.

Commenting on the new delivery, Brian Snelgar, Managing Director of Holmere Transport explains: “I’ve been purchasing heavy haulage trailers from Andover Trailers since 1990 and this latest order was awarded based on our past experience of the products and levels of aftersales support provided by Andover.

“The trailer will be used primarily to transport tarmac laying machines on behalf of Foster Yeoman, as well the occasional carriage of my own collection of steam engines, and those of other steam enthusiasts in the region,” he adds.
The step frame features the latest frame technology from Andover, including reinforced and high grade steel load bearing cross members at the apex of the beavertail, to support extra wide heavy loads, and has been manufactured to the specification required by Holmere Transport.

This includes the provision of special LED lights in the ends of the toe ramps which act as safety lights while loading, 1m wide four member power toe ramps with box toes, BPW axles and suspension, lifting rear axle, Wabco ‘G’ type spring brake chambers, low profile neck and Michelin tyres.

Road Locomotive

The road locomotive transported by Holmere Transport is owned by Nick Baker and is named the ‘Duke of Kent’. It was manufactured in 1914 and was supplied new to C. Tassell of Chatham for general heavy haulage. It was sold after The Great War to Scotts Sawmills of Chatham, Kent, in 1919, which used it for driving a sawmill during the day and road hauling finished timber to London overnight.

In was the subject of a major refurbishment in 2002 that included a new set of drive gears and a complete repaint and livery change. Once the work was completed the engineer was so confident with its mechanical condition that he drove it back from his workshop in Sussex to Mr Baker’s home in Dorset. The journey began at 5am and was complete by 7pm, after 110 problem-free miles!

Release date: 3 September 2003

MOSCOW CONSTRUCTION COMPANY BUYS BRITISH STRENGTH

Andover Trailers has supplied Moscow-based construction firm Management Mechanization No.25 with an Andhofer DFHNCLS85 power-steered low loader for transporting bulldozers and excavators between building sites in the Russian city.

The Hampshire-based heavy-haulage trailer manufacturer supplied the Andhofer trailer, a product of Andover’s joint venture with Goldhofer, through its Estonian agent Warren Equipment Ltd, which sells trailers on Andover’s behalf across the Baltic States and Russia.

The four-axle dropwell hydraulic neck low loader incorporates Goldhofer’s advanced steering technology in an Andover specification frame, and has been designed for use in conjunction with a Volvo FH12 6x4 tractor unit.

The 17.7 m trailer is equipped with a hydraulic suspension with a raise / lower control, detachable hydraulic neck, rear hydraulic ramps and remote-control power-steering axles to ease access on restricted urban roads. The trailer will be working in temperatures which could get as cold as minus 40 degrees celsius.

“This new trailer replaces a 60 tonne Goldhofer which has been in operation for many years,” says Alexander Strelkov, Chief Engineer at Management Mechanization No.25. “We heard some very good reports about the strength of the Andover frame, which, coupled with the Goldhofer steering equipment, made an ideal proposition for our fleet.”

Commenting on the sale, Ivan Collins, Sales Director at Andover Trailers explains: “On an annual basis we receive orders for about ten step frames and low loaders through our agent in Estonia. Although the majority of our products are used in operations around the UK, over the past few years we have also supplied both new and used products as far afield as the Middle East and the Russian oil fields in Siberia,” he adds.

Management Mechanization No.25 employs 1,500 people and is part of the much larger Zao Mosstroymechanizatsiya 5. It operates a fleet of 280 trucks and has recently taken delivery of a fleet of Scania and Volvo tippers. It also operates 67 bulldozers and 74 excavators, comprising 58-tonne Komatsu D355’s, 55-tonne CAT D9’s and 32-tonne Hitachi excavators.

The company has just completed building the Marino complex in Moscow – a 90-building complex, each with 18 floors, and comprising a large number of new homes, as well as shops and parking areas.

Release date: 29 April 2003

GOLDHOFER TRAILERS LAUNCHES GSM STEERING SYSTEM

Goldhofer Trailers has launched a revolutionary ‘easy control’ GSM steering system which is designed to work in conjunction with Goldhofer and Andover power steer heavy haulage trailers.

The handheld unit has been designed for use in all weather conditions and enables the driver to operate key trailer functions via the handheld device, within a range of up to 50m of the trailer.

“The GSM system is available in three different specifications, ranging from Basic to Premium,” explains Ivan Collins, Sales Director of Andover Trailers. “The Premium system is so advanced that in addition to controlling the steering remotely, it allows the operator to carry out almost any trailer function, ranging from raising and lowering the neck or suspension, operating lock pins to applying the parking brakes.”

Basic System

The basic control system operates in conjunction with hydraulic power from a truck mounted PTO on a 24 volt power pack. It controls the steering and returns the wheels to the zero or straight ahead position

The basic equipment comes with a 16-pin socket on the goose-neck, extension antenna with magnetic base and three proximity switches. The handset charges from the cigarette lighter in the cab and has a built-in low battery warning. Also included is the standard cable remote control as a back-up.

Comfort System

The comfort system works on the same principle as the Basic system but with enhanced specification.

The Comfort system also opens the steering lines at the 4 off valve and resets the 35 bar pre-pressure prior to the steering system closing.

Premium System

The Premium system is a truly advanced system where the operator can lay down the limits as to what function he/she would like it to control.

The transmitter and receiver are fitted with illuminated displays, and is designed to start a diesel power pack, open the 6 off valve (if fitted) to isolate the steering head, raise and lower the neck, raise or lower the suspension, release the locks and re-lock on an extending frame and even apply the parking brakes.

All three models are now available to order and can be set-up to operate with new Goldhofer trailers, or retrofitted to existing products by special arrangement.

Release date: 29 April 2003

ANDOVER TRAILERS SHOWS OFF A BRIGHT IDEA

Visitors to SED 2003 will be given the first public opportunity to inspect a trailer fitted with the latest rear light cluster design from Andover Trailers, which is set to make loading and unloading at night considerably safer.

The design can be seen fitted to a new SCFL50 tri-axle stepframe trailer with a beavertail, which has been built for Surrey-based T&M plant, and features slide-out extensions to the deck, bridge and beavertail.

Trials of the new rear light clusters began in December 2002 and have proved so successful that Andover has now added them to its option list for all new trailers and plant bodies. The lights are also available in a retrofit kit that comprises of a new light, mounting bracket and fixings for the side of existing trailers and plant bodies.

Len Fuller, Technical Director of Andover Trailers, explains: “The new design allows the rear light clusters to be unclipped and attached to either side of the vehicle prior to lowering the ramps. This means they can be clearly seen by oncoming vehicles throughout the loading or unloading process.”

The idea for the lighting system was suggested to Andover by Mr Terry Beasley, Managing Director of Surrey-based T&M Plant, one of Andover’s longest-standing customers.

“Appreciating the danger of having an unlit trailer parked at the roadside, we’ve been eager to introduce some kind of safety lighting and are very pleased that the trials undertaken over the first quarter of this year have proved so successful,” adds Fuller.

“The beauty about this new system is that is takes only a matter of seconds to move the clusters to the temporary positions before lowering the ramps, and it doesn’t involve any external parts or independent lights, which a driver could easily forget about and leave behind at the roadside,” he concludes.

Release date: 29 April 2003

ANDOVER TRAILERS PLAYS DIRTY

Andover Trailers is breaking away from tradition at SED 2003 by displaying a used low profile plant body as well as new ‘showroom’ models.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director of Andover Trailers, says: “Operators buy trailers based on their strength and ability to perform reliably over a number of years. We pride ourselves in building some of the strongest vehicles on the market, and would like operators to see for themselves how well they stand-up to the rigours of everyday heavy haulage.”

The vehicle in question is a 26 tonne plant body, built onto a DAF CF75 chassis which has been in operation with plant hire-giant HE Services for 6 months.

The body is loaded with a 13 tonne excavator and features a single crank beavertail and 2.7m long hydraulic fold-forward ramps which have been designed by Andover Trailers to reduce fuel consumption by making the body more streamlined whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Since the vehicle entered operation with HE Services it has performed an average of ten collections and deliveries each day, operating five and a half days a week. This is a very good example of Andover strength and design, along with a good payload and low unladen weight.

Joining the plant body and the Andover SCFL50 (see press release Ref: AT/171/03) is the largest trailer on the Andover Trailers stand – a four-axle extendible Goldhofer STZ L4 step frame trailer. This is the type of trailer operated by RM Page & Sons for use with rail as well as plant.

These trailers have been in operation with Pages for three years and offer a payload of 44 tonnes at up to 80 km/h, which is increased to 54 tonnes at speeds below 25 km/h and offers a loading platform of 9,100mm, which can be extended by a further 6,100mm to accommodate larger loads. The trailer is also equipped with the world leading Goldhofer king pin power steering system.

It is finished in a yellow livery and used in conjunction with a three-axle tractor unit with a permissible fifth wheel load of up to 20 tonnes.

Release date: 17 March 2003

ANDOVER TRAILERS LOOKS FORWARD TO SED 2003

A four-axle extendible Goldhofer STZ L4 step frame low loader, which is due to enter operation with heavy-haulage specialist RM Page & Sons, will take pride of place on the Andover Trailers stand at SED 2003.

Built by Andover Trailers’ German partner, Goldhofer, the trailer offers a payload of 44 tonnes at up to 80 km/h, which is increased to 54 tonnes at speeds below 25 km/h. The trailer also offers a loading platform of 9,100mm, which can be extended by a further 6,100mm to accommodate larger loads. The trailer is equipped with the world leading Goldhofer steering system from the king pin with remote steering.

It is finished in a bright yellow livery and will be used in conjunction with a three axle tractor unit with a permissible fifth wheel load of up to 20 tonnes.

Joining the Goldhofer on display will be one of Andover’s own SCFL50 stepframe trailers with a beavertail, which has been ordered by Surrey-based T&M plant, one of the company’s oldest customers.

The specially designed 50 tonne tri-axle stepframe is equipped with slide-out extensions to the deck, bridge and beavertail as well as one metre wide hydraulic power toe ramps.

The trailer will also feature Andover Trailers’ new rear light cluster design which allows the clusters to be unclipped and attached to either side of the deck whilst the ramps are lowered, allowing them to be clearly seen by oncoming vehicles throughout the loading or unloading process.

The idea for this new lighting system was suggested to Andover by Mr Terry Beasley, Managing Director of T&M Plant, and is now available as an option on all new step frames and plant bodies, as well as being available as a retrofit option.

Completing the line-up of products on display is a 26 tonne plant body, built onto a DAF CF75 chassis and due for delivery to HE Services. This body features a single crank beavertail and is fitted with 2.7m long hydraulic fold-forward ramps which have been designed by Andover Trailers to reduce fuel consumption by making the body more streamlined whilst the vehicle is in motion.

Release date: 10 March 2003

FIRST ANDOVER PLANT BODY FOR WILDES

Shrewsbury-based Wildes Plant Hire has purchased its first Andover Trailers plant body, built onto the chassis of a Scania P94 6x2. The delivery marks a double first, as it is also the first Scania to join the company’s fleet.

The new vehicle will be used to transport a wide range of plant, including dumpers, excavators and telescopic handlers, to building sites predominantly in Shropshire and surrounding counties.

“We’ve tried various different bodybuilders in the past, but we’ve always suffered from minor problems and have never been 100 per cent happy,” explains Ian Wilde, Managing Director of Wildes Plant Hire Ltd, which was established in 1937.

“When this latest vehicle was delivered we were able to put it straight into service. This was a far cry from past experiences when new trucks have had to be sent straight back to the bodybuilders for alterations,” he adds. “Andover has really taken the bull by the horns with its plant bodies and is producing some very strong and well-designed products.”

The 9.1m long bespoke-built low profile plant body gives a deck height which is five inches lower than a normal beavertail, producing lower ramp and beavertail approach angles which makes loading and unloading easier.

The body is fitted with two 2.5m long, 1m wide, hydraulic power toe ramps and hydraulic steady legs, which are synchronised to operate in conjunction with the ramps.

“Another benefit of the Andover / Scania combination is that we achieve a payload of up to 14.7 tonnes, which is more than enough for our everyday requirements,” adds Ian Wilde.

Andover Trailers design and build a range of beavertail plant bodies with low unladen weight and a vast range of options. The plant bodies are designed to handle everything from forklift trucks and access machines to general plant and large excavators.

Release date: 30 January 2003

ANDOVER DESIGNS SPECIAL TRAILER TO POWER-UP HEWDEN

The first three step frame trailers incorporating a radical new tilting platform have entered operation with Hewden Power Ltd, making them the first of their kind on UK roads.

Designed and manufactured by Andover Trailers, the three step frames feature the Andover low profile neck which has a pivoting fifth wheel subframe mounted under it. This subframe is connected to the trailer through two hydraulic cylinders which, when operated, lifts the neck of the trailer away from the tractor unit and tilts the deck enough to start the heavy compressors moving.

Robert McCaig, Technical Director at Hewden, explained: “The new design means we can transport a greater volume of equipment on each trailer and cut back on the number of journeys we make.

“The tilting deck was designed to allow easy loading of machines with small diameter wheels and a high rolling resistance. A remote control Ramsey winch ensures equipment is loaded and unloaded in a controlled manner.”
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Andover designs special trailer to power-up Hewden / page 2

Hewden operates a sizeable fleet of Andover Trailers products, ranging from plant bodies to low loaders and step frame trailers. The company took delivery of its first trailer from Andover in 1989.

Robert McCaig from Hewden continued: “Over the past few years we’ve worked on numerous projects with Andover and its products represent an essential part of our fleet. They are also robust and fit our requirements exactly.”

These three latest trailers, which are fitted with special ramps, will be pulled by Mercedes-Benz 2540 tractor units that are finished in a distinctive black and yellow livery to match the trailers. They will be in operation five days a week and are expected to cover up to 60,000 miles a year.

Hewden Power offers an integrated energy service to all sectors of British industry, with clients including utility industries, the general construction market, the petro-chemical industry, the industrial sector, food processing and brewing, the extractive industries and North Sea Installations.

Release date: 17 January 2003

ANDOVER PICKS UP A VINTAGE ROLE

Andover Trailers has tailor-made an SFCL 50 tri-axle step frame trailer with beavertail to suit the personal requirements of one of its longest serving customers – Mr Paul Hammond, ex Managing Director at Yeoman Transport Ltd.

The trailer will be used by Paul to transport his private collection of vintage lorries to shows and rallies across the country and into Europe.

The step frame will be pulled by a 1976 Volvo F88 6x4 which is plated at 150 tonnes, and will carry two ex-Pickfords Scamell 6x4s, one manufactured in 1958, the other in 1963. An ex-British Telecom pod has also been mounted onto the neck of the trailer to provide suitable daytime living accommodation.

“I’ve been dealing with Andover since the late 1970’s, when it was known as Taskers Trailers,” explains Paul Hammond. “Last year I decided to purchase my own step frame and there was never a question over who was going to build it for me.”

“The difference between the people at Andover and the majority of other trailer manufacturers is that they listen to exactly what you want, and then get to work and build it. If its not something that’s already on the drawing board then a lot of the other manufacturers just don’t want to know,” he adds.

The step frame is 12.9 m long and 2.55 m wide, and equipped with 1 m wide hydraulic power ramps with access toes. It also features Hendrickson axles and air suspension, with raise & lower control and a lifting rear axle. Among the extras that Paul requested was the floor boards to be treated, the edges chamfered and all the floor boards bolted down, the top deck floor lowered inside the neck members and RUD lashing points set in the floor and on the neck riser. The height of the neck had to match the paintwork on the side of the Volvo, and no lashing points could be welded along the side of the trailer.

As with most vintage lorries, they are more prone to breakdown. If this happens, they can be loaded and unloaded with the help of an 8,000 lb Super-winch that is set into the riser on the upper deck, and is helped with the excellent ramp angle from the Andover power toe ramps.

The trailer is expected to be used extensively during the Rally season and has just returned from a 10 day trip to a Rally in Sweden.

An Andover Trailers tri-axle step frame trailer with beavertail - user by Paul
Hammond to transport vintage trucks to shows across the country.