Release date:  16 September 2009

SOLUTION COULDN’T BE PLANER FOR ANDOVER TRAILERS

Hampshire-based Andover Trailers has solved a major problem affecting construction and plant hire operators across the UK and Ireland after designing and building the industry’s first lightweight centre balance drawbar machinery trailer to overcome the increased weight of the latest generation of Wirtgen W150F tracked road planers.

The first example of the new trailer, which has an unladen weight of 4,460 kg, has entered operation with Dublin-based Streetsweep Ryan Road Planing Services which purchased it specifically to enable them to transport the new machine behind a 6x4 tipper.

Designed to ultra-specific weight tolerances, its lightweight design affords a payload of 20,540 kg, allowing the new Wirtgen W150F to be transported without exceeding the maximum design weight of the trailer.  The W150F weighs 20,530 kg without the canopy, water and with a half full tank of diesel.

This significant achievement highlights the skill of Andover Trailers’ technical team and drawing office, which only two years ago became the company to build a similar trailer to carry the smaller Wirtgen W100FK tracked road planer, which weighs 19,600 kg.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director at Andover Trailers, explains: “There is an incredibly fine line between designing a lightweight trailer and designing one capable of transporting a road planer weighing in excess of 20.5 tonnes.  We worked very closely with Wirtgen to meet the challenge and it drew upon all of our technical skills and experience.”

“It’s not a trailer which can easily be copied as the key is utilising a careful blend of different steels to combine an ultra-low unladen weight with one offering utmost strength.  The fact we achieved it with just a 10 kg tolerance is testament to how tough this project was.

“Over the last few months we’ve had enquiries from firms who have been delaying purchasing the new planer until they were confident we could build a trailer which would enable them to transport it behind a regular tipper.  Now that we have – and so far as we know we are the only people to have met the challenge – we’re gearing up to produce many more of these bespoke drawbars,” he adds.

At 10.15m long, the new CBDBCLLT 25 trailer has been designed and manufactured by Andover Trailers using a unique blend of lightweight steels.  It features special hydraulic single section steel ramps to suit the W150F, together with a drop-in conveyor support, manual steady legs, SAF axles and air suspension with raise/lower control.

Other features include Obeche timber used in the floor to reduce the unladen weight in comparison with a regular plant trailer, three pairs of lashing points, aluminium wheels and Knorr-Bremse EBS brakes with auto slack adjusters.

 

 

Release date:  10 September 2009

SKY’S THE LIMIT AS ANDOVER TRAILERS SIGNS NEW DISTRIBUTORSHIP

Hampshire-based heavy haulage transport specialist Andover Trailers has been appointed sole UK and Ireland distributor for Trailer System Engineering (TSE), a German company which manufactures specialist trailer components ranging from sliding roofs to body kits for commercial vehicles and trailers.

Andover Trailers’ appointment follows a strategic partnership formed between the two companies in 2008, when Andover’s sales team identified TSE as the only manufacturer able to supply an all-steel bespoke sliding roof system to fit a fleet of forklift trailers being manufactured for Briggs Equipment UK.

Ivan Collins, Sales Director at Andover Trailers, says: “TSE was the only company which could supply a sliding roof capable of withstanding buffeting from the wind when operating with the roof partly open.  Other systems we’ve experienced use plastic hinges which are damaged too easily, leaving operators with a major challenge to change them.”

In the UK, the most common use for sliding roofs is on forklift truck trailers, specifically when operators want to transport high mast machines.  In Europe such systems are far more common, with many operators electing to load trailers through the roof by crane when collecting supplies from factories.

Andover Trailers itself experienced this dependence on roof-loading in Europe only last month when it sent a large UK operator to collect some steel and the German steel manufacturer would not load the trailer because it did not have a sliding roof.  The load had to be collected by a German operator with a suitably equipped trailer.

“We are also exploring opportunities to supply TSE’s high quality components to other trailer manufacturers and body builders in the UK and Ireland.  We’ve geared up to carry a full stock of spare parts, which will support both our own and other manufacturers’ needs, without having to rely on flying spares in from Germany.

“What’s more, in the event a repair is ever needed, unlike most other systems, you can simply unscrew each individual roller in the roof and carry out the repair without major disruption.  Any downtime is kept to the absolute minimum,” adds Collins.

Andover Trailers’ appointment as a distributor for TSE marks its second franchise with a German manufacturer, following a highly successful and ongoing 15 year relationship with Goldhofer, which has seen the company supply some of the most specialised heavy haulage trailer equipment ever sold in the UK.

The sales function for TSE will be managed by the company’s head office in Andover, Hampshire, supported by its team of sales staff who visit operators, trailer manufacturers and body builders across the UK and Ireland.

 

 

Release date:  4 September 2009

YOUNG GUN TURNS TO ANDOVER TRAILERS FOR HEAVY HAULING

Agricultural and construction plant equipment supplier R.J & K.D McLean has taken delivery of a new tri-axle step frame trailer supplied by Andover Trailers.

The SFCL 40 will be used to transport everything from tractors and horticultural equipment to diggers and dumper trucks from its base in Dorset to customers around the UK by one of the country’s youngest HGV drivers.

Robert McLean, R.J & K.D McLean Director said: “We purchased our step frame trailer as we are moving a lot of our haulage requirements in-house, so this is a long-term investment for our business.

“The trailer is being used to transport a variety of heavy equipment and gives us additional business flexibility. We intend to keep the trailer for at least 10 years, so need something that is durable and opted for Andover Trailers as they have a reputation for quality and reliability.”

The SFCL 40’s custodian is George McLean, 21, who qualified as an HGV driver at the age of 18 through the Department for Transport’s Young LGV (HGV) Driver Scheme, obtaining a full Category C driving licence at the age of 18 and a Category C+E licence at 19 – making him one of the UK’s youngest HGV drivers.

The new trailer has been built to R.J & K.D McLean’s bespoke specifications, which includes a low profile neck, slide out rear ramps and slide out side extensions with slide out ramp channel.

Mr McLean adds: “The design team worked closely with us to put together a bespoke specification that meets the unique needs of our business but also delivered within our budget. Everyone in the company who has used the trailer has noted how easy it is to work with and its great on-road performance.”

SAF axles, together with air suspension with raise/lower controls have also been specified along a chain tray in the main bed and toolboxes in the beavertail, deck and neck. The trailer, which has been specified to operate with a Scania R560 6x2 tag axle tractor unit, incorporates timber to protect the ramp bar, mitred front corners on the neck and two-position king pins fitted to the chassis.

The design includes hardwood and steel floors to the neck and beavertail, a 15,000lb winch with remote and radio control, and 10 sets of lashing points in the floor to ensure optimum load security. It also features LED side lights.

“We are very proud of the trailer and tractor unit that have both created a lot of interest from customers and prospects as they look so unique,” concludes
Mr McLean.

R.J & K.D McLean is a family run agricultural and construction plant equipment supplier to customers in the UK and overseas, operating for over 25 years from Semley, Dorset.

 

Release date:  27 August 2009

REIGART HITS THE ROAD WITH ANDOVER HEAVY HAULER

Scottish demolition specialist Reigart Contracts has taken delivery of a step frame trailer which will be used to transport the company’s heavy plant across Scotland.

The tri-axle trailer is the fourth vehicle to be supplied by Andover Trailers to the Lanarkshire-based company and will operate in conjunction with a Scania R500 LA6x4 tractor unit.

The 13.2 metre long bespoke built SFCL 50 benefits from a specification which includes a low profile neck, slide out extensions to the deck, bridge and beavertail and 1-metre wide power toe ramps with hydraulic sideways.

Reigart Contracts Transport Manager Tom Reilly, comments: “We continually upgrade our fleet to ensure that we are constantly mobile and able to meet deadlines and the purchase of the Andover Trailers step frame is part of this investment.”

The 38-tonne capacity SFCL 50 is fitted with a Gigant self-tracking and
lifting rear axle, together with air-suspension and raise/lower controls built-in
as standard and will transport a range of plant equipment from mini to 35 tonne 360 degree excavators with a 35-metre reach.

The specification also includes a 15,000 lb Comeup electric winch with remote control and a 24 volt power pack to run the hydraulics.

Additional features include toolboxes fitted into the upper deck, hardwood floor and two-speed leg gear. The trailer is expected to stay on the Reigart Contracts fleet for 8 years and cover 800,000 km.

Reigart Contracts Ltd is a major Scottish demolition contractor, constantly investing in people, plant and processes to deliver a comprehensive range of demolition, recycling and waste management services. The company is a family-led firm with deep roots in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, employing over 100 staff.

 

 

Release date:  12 August 2009

ANDOVER TRAILERS ACE SPORTS CONSTRUCTOR MJ ABBOTT LIMITED

Sports industry construction specialist MJ Abbott Limited has taken delivery of a step frame trailer which will be used to transport a range of the company’s heavy plant used to construct golf courses and sports grounds in the UK.

The tri-axle trailer is the first to be supplied by Andover Trailers to the Salisbury-based company and will operate in conjunction with a new Volvo FH13 6x2 tag axle tractor unit.

The 13.6 metre long bespoke built SFCL 40 has a 32-tonne capacity and benefits from a specification which includes a new low profile double sloped neck with cropped corners and three member hydraulic power toe ramps with access toes.

Designed to carry 13-20 tonne excavators, it features a Gigant self-tracking and lifting front axle with interlock, together with air-suspension and raise/lower controls built-in as standard.  It is also the first step frame from Andover Trailers to be equipped with an on-board Knorr-Bremse Trailer Information Module (TIM).

The TIM is an easy-to-use trailer mountable or hand-held reading device that is able to provide valuable information for the operator / driver on axle group load, odometer and trip distance, voltage, air pressures and wheel sensor information as well as EBS diagnostics without the need of a PC. It is easy for the operator to diagnose a problem without calling out a service engineer.

Adrian Abbott, Technical Director of MJ Abbott, comments: “We came to Andover Trailers with a lot of requests to ensure the trailer suited the tractor unit and Andover Trailers was the only company in the marketplace that could deliver a reliable bespoke trailer that met our exact requirements at a competitive price.

“One of the biggest benefits to us is Andover’s capabilities and manufacturing process.  We were able to meet the design team and make changes to the specification very quickly - even during the build,” adds Abbott.

Additional features include chassis-mounted toolboxes, hardwood floor with expamet coverings over the timber on the slopes of the neck and ramps and two-speed push-pull leg gear. It also includes a 24 volt power pack, Andover slide out safety lights for loading in the hours of darkness and LED strobe lights.

“We are looking to increase the number of deliveries we make ourselves over the next year and this new trailer offers us greater flexibility to deliver wider ranges of equipment.  The driver has also reported that on and off-road performance is far superior to the equipment it is replacing,” concludes
Mr Abbott.

MJ Abbott Limited is one of the leading sports turf contractors in the UK, incorporating the installation of land drainage and irrigation systems, golf course construction and renovation, sports ground construction and maintenance from a seven-acre site in Dinton near Sailsbury, Wiltshire.

 

 

Release date:  20 July 2009

OSMONDS ‘BRAKE’ MILESTONE RECORD WITH ANDOVER

A pair of semi-sloping step frame trailers supplied to Kent-based road construction firm Osmonds Transport & Planing by Andover Trailers have clocked up more than 400,000 miles of heavy hauling.

The 13.6 metre long tri-axle step frames are among five similarly specified trailers supplied by Andover Trailers to Osmonds Transport & Planing since 1985 and are used to transport the company’s road planing machines and heavy plant equipment across the UK ranging from 20 to 48 tonnes.

One which was delivered to the company in late 2001 marked the first semi-sloping trailer built by Andover Trailers to be fitted with SAF disc brake axles.  Despite clocking up more than 250,000 miles, it has used just two sets of brake pads in this time and is still operating with its original factory fitted brake discs. The second unit, supplied by the Hampshire-based trailer manufacturer in 2006, is proving to be equally as frugal using a single set of brake pads despite already covering more than 150,000 km.

Tom Osmond, Managing Director of Osmonds Transport & Planing, says: “All of the trailers we have purchased from Andover Trailers benefit from exceptional build quality.

”The trailers are reliable and have withstood whatever we have put on them which is why they continue to win our new orders.  They are on the road almost daily, sometimes clocking up more than 1,000 miles a week.”

Operating in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz and Scania tractor units, the trailers share similar specifications to make loading and unloading the Osmonds fleet of rollers and planers easier.

Heavy-duty long power-toe ramps, hardwood floors reinforced with a steel underlay and lashing points on the side of the deck and beavertail to ensure optimum load security are included, together with SAF disc brake axles and 19.5 inch tyres, which increases the deck height of the beavertail by just 50mm.

“One of the biggest problems for heavy haulers is the build up of heat in the drum brake assemblies as there is little clearance between the hub and wheel.  It can cause brake fade or failure in extreme conditions, excessive tyre wear or can destroy tyre casings.

“Since the switch to brake disc axles, we have seen our trailer tyre bills dramatically reduced and now only replace an occasional casing because of sidewall damage rather than complete failure. The SAF axles have also cut maintenance costs and operational downtime as there are fewer parts to replace and they are cheaper to buy.  Whereas we would be taking a trailer off the road every six months to replace the drums, this has been eliminated – along with the cost,” concludes Mr Osmond.

The company operates a fleet of six artics, five step frames and two Goldhofer low loader designed to carry loads weighing up to 55 tonnes, four tippers, seven sweepers and four 7.5 tonne rigids.

Established in 1975, Osmonds Transport & Planing operates as a heavy haulage and plant hire specialist from Brenchley, Kent across the South of England and are members of the Association of Planing Contractors. 

 

 

Release date:  1 July 2009

TRIPOD CREST DRAWBAR MAKES SWEET SIXTEEN

Northampton-based road planing contractor Tripod Crest has taken delivery of a tri-axle centre balance drawbar trailer from Andover Trailers which will be used to transport a Wirtgen W100f cold milling machine across the UK.

The 10.4m long bespoke-built CBDBCL24LT is the sixteenth to be supplied by Andover Trailers to Tripod Crest and will be used in conjunction with a Scania P380 6x2 rigid tipper.

The specification had to include a longer frame, ramps constructed from high grade steels and hydraulic steady legs to make the loading and unloading of the 18.6 tonne machine easier when at motorway and major trunk road construction sites. The drawbar trailer design includes a light weight frame and aluminium wheels allowing Tripod Crest to transport the cold milling machine fully-fuelled.

Jim Tough, Plant Director at Tripod Crest, comments: “We have been an Andover Trailers customer for more than a decade, with each of the drawbar trailers we have purchased on fleet for around seven years and they have never let us down.”

The CBDBCL24LT is fitted with Knorr-Bremse EBS braking system, SAF axles for aluminium wheels and air suspension with a raise / lower control. Also included in the specification to save weight is an Obeche timber floor, which is a light weight semi-hardwood.

“We have always been impressed with the strength and reliability of all our trailers, especially within the construction environment in which they operate,” adds Mr Tough.

The drawbar also features three pairs of lashing points sunk in the floor of the beavertail and draw beam to ensure optimum load security, LED side lights and a 24-volt power pack to run the hydraulics. Ivan Collins was delighted with the unladen weight of the trailer being 20kg off the target weight of 4,600kg.

Mr Tough, continues: “Andover Trailers enjoys a well-earned reputation for quality workmanship, strength and reliability which is why we purchase the drawbar trailers to transport all of our pavers and rollers and 1 metre road planers across the country from them.

“The trailers are built to an affordable high standard and we are always impressed by the design team’s attention to detail and the aftersales service team’s approach to solving problems,” concludes Mr Tough.

 

Release date:  19 May 2009

FIRST ANDOVER TRAILERS STEP FRAME JOINS McCORMICK CONTRACTS

County Antrim-based civil engineering and plant hire company McCormick Contracts has taken delivery of an SFCL 67 step-frame trailer from Andover Trailers, which will be used to transport the company’s specialist heavy plant.

The bespoke 12-metre long quad-axle step frame is the first to be supplied by Andover Trailers to McCormick Contracts and will be used to transport heavy items of plant across Ireland.

Garreth McCormick, Director of McCormick Contracts, commented: “We were looking at the market for a considerable length of time in order to find the right trailer design that suited our operation. There were several things that impressed us when we looked at Andover Trailers, from the superior build quality to their overall approach to the design process.”

The specification includes a low profile neck, slide out extensions on the deck, 1-metre wide heavy-duty long power toe ramps, top deck ramps and hydraulic sideways.

Garreth added: “Andover were flexible when it came to making small modifications to the trailer design so that it fitted with the type of machinery we use, in comparison the European approach was more off-the-shelf.”

“We will be using the trailer to transport excavators and loads of up to 50 tonnes. With the SFCL 67, we have found a step frame that has near-perfect weight distribution and is flexible enough to serve our entire operation,” concludes Mr McCormick.

The SFCL 67 has been built to McCormick Contracts’ specification, which also includes fixed/self steer Gigant axles with air suspension and raise/lower controls, together with a lifting front axle complete with solenoid and manual controls.

Operating in conjunction with a Volvo FH12 460 tractor unit, the trailer incorporates a hardwood floor, tool boxes fitted to the trailer chassis, a 300mm stop bar on the top deck, two speed leg gear and hydraulic steady legs, along with the fitment of slide out safety lights and wide load marker boards

 

Release date: 14 April 2009

ROBERT McCARROLL LTD ORDERS FIFTH STEP FRAME

Road paving and construction plant equipment firm Robert McCarroll Ltd, has taken delivery of a step frame trailer supplied by Andover Trailers which will be used to transport the company’s asphalt pavers, rollers and self-propelled chipping machines across Scotland.

The 13.2-metre long tri-axle step frame is the fifth to be supplied by Andover Trailers to Robert McCarroll Ltd since 1990, and will operate in conjunction with a Volvo FH12 powered by a 520 hp engine.

To make loading and unloading its fleet of rollers easier, the SFCL50’s bespoke specification includes longer power-toe ramps, a low profile neck and 19mm hardwood floor laid over the hard wood which is reinforced with steel underlay on the lower deck and ramps.

Robert McCarroll, Managing Director comments: “The main reason why
we purchase Andover Trailers time after time is that they are built to a high specification and we have always been very impressed with the quality
of workmanship.”

With a 38-tonne capacity, the SFCL50 features a BPW self-tracking and
lifting rear axle, together with air-suspension and raise/lower control built-in
as standard. 

“One new innovation that we have introduced to the fleet with this trailer is the self-steer axle, after working closely with Andover’s designers. It has made a world of difference for the driver as it is more manoeuvrable in confined spaces. On-road performance is also improved,” adds Mr McCarroll.

The specification also includes a 12,000 lb Bulldog electric winch, a pair of flashing beacons on each of the ramps and Andover’s proven safety lights.
The trailer is fitted with an air / hydraulic power pack for every day use, but is also fitted with a 24 volt power pack for night time operation in built up areas.

“With the main beams on the outside of the chassis and coupling close to the tractor unit, it makes it easier to transport up to three rollers and spreaders at a time,” he adds.

Since 1934, Robert McCarroll hasspecialised in road paving and construction plant hire, supplying equipment to customers across Scotland from its Bishopbriggs headquarters in Glasgow.

Release date:  24 March 2009

BRIGGS EQUIPMENT HITS THE ROAD WITH ANDOVER TRAILER FLEET

Briggs Equipment UK, distributor of Caterpillar® counterbalance forklift and warehouse equipment has added a new fleet of Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units to its fleet, together with bespoke wheel box and step frame forklift trailers built by Andover Trailers.

The 13.6-metre long FKWB36 and SFCL36FT tri-axle trailers, supplied to Briggs as part of a five year contract hire agreement from Ryder, together with drivers, have been built to Briggs Equipment’s bespoke specification.

This includes the fitment of Lawrence David bodies and TSE sliding roof systems, sourced from Germany.  The TSE roof is an all steel system which was specifically chosen by Andover Trailers after a visit to the German manufacturer, as it is designed to withstand the buffeting from operating with the roof open.

The new fleet of two wheel box trailers and five step frame forklift trailers will be used to deliver Caterpillar® counterbalance and warehouse equipment to customers across the UK, five days-a-week and have been delivered on a five year agreement.

Shaun Dennis, Briggs Equipment Transport Manager, explains: “We looked in the market place for a bespoke wheel box trailer with a shallow angle of approach and the ability to carry high mast materials handling equipment which is only used in the UK.  Andover Trailers was the only manufacturer in the market place who could design and build the trailers that met our specific needs in the timeframe we had.

“Throughout the order process we have received first-class expertise from Andover’s team of engineers who advised us on the best specification for the trailer,” concludes Mr Dennis.

The FKWB36 wheel box trailer benefits from Tridec independent air suspension and special BPW stub axles giving a wider gap between the wheel boxes.  The trailer is designed for concentrated loads, such as two 10 tonne fork lifts, with the trailers still allowing a payload of up to 22 tonnes within C&U regulations.

The specification also includes a radio-controlled 15,000lb ComeUp winch in the base of the neck riser, 24-volt power pack, access ladders up over the wheel boxes, a single section full height hydraulic ramp giving a loading angle of only five degrees and a reversing camera as standard.

The SFCL36FT design incorporates a low profile neck, double crank beavertail and hydraulic lifting deck to form an internal ramp. Also included are swing out rear pillars to the body, SAF axles and air suspension with raise and lower control, together with a full height power toe ramp with remote control. The step frame trailers also offer a concentrated load deck giving a payload of 23 tonnes when coupled to the Mercedes Benz Actros 6x2 tractor unit.

Ivan Collins, Andover Trailers Sales Director, says: “This is our first major order from Ryder, and these are very special trailers indeed for us as they have been in development for two years. The trailer, conceived jointly with Briggs Equipment, is one of the most intricate designs Andover Trailers has produced for some time.                                                                                                               

“We are very proud of the finished product which has had input from all three companies.  Our research and design team has spent the last two years working with Briggs Equipment to complete the ultimate forklift trailer and it’s a great example of how specialist body and chassis design meets this specific demand from customers.”

Formerly Finning Materials Handling, Briggs Equipment UK is part of Sammons Enterprises with interests in industrial and construction equipment as well as insurance and hospitality. With assets in excess of $26 billion, Sammons Enterprise is a diversified conglomerate, ranking among the largest privately owned companies in the world.

 

 

Release date:  25 February 2009

ANDOVER TRAILERS FAB FIVE WITH GEDDES GROUP

Scottish civil engineering and construction firm Geddes Group has taken delivery of a new quad-axle extending step frame trailer supplied by Andover Trailers.
The step frame trailer is the fifth to be supplied by Andover Trailers to Geddes Group and will be used to transport the company’s specialist heavy plant including excavators and construction equipment weighing up to 47 tonnes across Scotland.
Frank Geddes, Geddes Group Managing Director comments: “Our operation is one of the most diverse in Scotland, from earthmoving and public works contracting to quarrying and ready-mix concrete production, requiring a versatile trailer that has the capacity to carry a range of heavy plant and equipment from our base in Angus.
“Depending on the job our vehicles can carry anything from dump trucks and bulldozers to traxcavators or our own stone crushing and screens equipment across Scotland and the rest of the UK,” he adds.

The SFCLEX67 has been built to Geddes Group’s bespoke specifications, which includes a low profile neck and power toe ramps with power sideways, together with slide-out extensions to the deck and beavertail.

SAF axles, together with air suspension with raise/lower control, plus an Autolube system have been also been specified along with an excavator trough.
Operating in conjunction with a Volvo tractor unit, the trailer incorporates steel and hardwood floors and a pair of tool boxes fitted to the trailer chassis. The trailer design includes hydraulic ramps and winch and is also fitted with LED side lights.

“For many years we have had step frame trailers supplied to us by Andover Trailers on our fleet. They are exceptional pieces of equipment that have proved to be reliable and able to cope with whatever we put on them – a real strength for our business as we operate in a variety of different construction environments,” concludes Mr Geddes.

 

Release date:  26 January 2009

THREE’S A CROWD AT CBL WITH ANDOVER PLANT BODIES

The challenging terrain of Devon and Cornwall has seen Saltash-based CBL (Clive Barford Ltd) take delivery of a Mercedes-Benz Atego rigid mounted with an Andover Trailers plant body, for transporting the company’s specialist plant to construction sites across the South West of England.

The new 15 tonner is the third vehicle to join CBL’s mixed vehicle fleet in the South West – all fitted with Andover Trailers plant bodies, supplied by the Hampshire-based manufacturer over the last five years.

The bespoke-built 7.3m long plant body includes 1-metre wide power toe fold-forward hydraulic ramps and hydraulic steady legs, together with a double crank beavertail to make loading and unloading easier.  The ramps and beavertail are dual surfaced with mesh to the outsides for loading rubber-tyre machines and the centre timbered for rollers.

Also included in the specification is a hydraulic Ramsey winch, six pairs of lashing points which are sunk in the floor to ensure optimum load security, and a tool box fitted to the truck chassis.

Adam Popplewell, CBL’s Saltash Centre Manager, said: “We have two other vehicles at our centres that are fitted with plant bodies by Andover Trailers.  Apart from their six-weekly inspections and servicing, all we ever do is wash them and check them over once a week. They are half way through their life, having given us four years of brilliant service and are just as good as the day we bought them.

“Andover’s plant bodies are solidly built, stand the test of time and do exactly what we need of them.  Most of our customers are based on sites on twisty, narrow Cornish roads, so getting vital pieces of plant such as excavators or telehandlers can prove to be an issue.

“For this reason we purchased the Atego and specified a shorter body and beavertail and Andover Trailers has met this challenge and delivered a plant body which has held up to everything we have thrown at it,” he adds.

CBL expects to keep the new Atego on fleet for at least seven years, seeing operation across Devon and Cornwall and is expected to cover 1,000 km a week.  CBL is a leading compact equipment specialist, providing high quality plant hire, sales and services from 11 locations across southern Britain.

 

Release date:  9 January 2009

FIRST ANDOVER TRAILERS PLANT BODY JOINS AJ ACCESS PLATFORMS

After trialling a range of vehicles with different plant bodies, AJ Access Platforms has taken delivery of its first plant body from Andover Trailers, mounted on a 6x2 Scania P270.

The bespoke-built low profile plant body will be used to transport a variety
of access platforms from the company’s Swansea depot to customers across the UK.

Jeff Maggs from AJ Access Platforms explains: “We have taken a while to carefully look at the market and find a vehicle that totally suited us, even down to hiring and trialling vehicles.  The quality of Andover Trailers’ workmanship is second-to-none and other bodywork we’ve carefully assessed simply doesn’t compare.

“Andover Trailers also has an excellent reputation in the industry for quality and reliability, with strong residual values as an added bonus.  Our new Scania is a real showpiece, turning heads onsite and has impressed everyone who has seen it from our directors to customers.”

The 26 tonner is expected to cover up to 50,000 miles a year with AJ Access Platforms and will remain on the fleet for four years. The bespoke-built
9 metre long plant body includes linked 1 metre wide power toe ramps with a centre door and hydraulic steady legs, together with a double crank beavertail to make loading and unloading easier.

To ensure optimum load security, eight pairs of lashing points have been built into the hardwood deck floor, along with an underfloor hydraulic Ramsey BH550 winch.  Also included in the specification is a pair of tool boxes fitted to the truck chassis. To assist the driver onsite, a wireless remote control system for the winch is fitted, 12v/24v jump start sockets, and boom support completes the package supplied by the Hampshire-based manufacturer.

Established in 1990, AJ Accesssupply a wide range of powered access solutions to customers from four locations in Caldicot, Southampton, East Midlands and Swansea.  The company also offers comprehensive sales, service, maintenance, rental and training facilities for AccessPlatforms.