Robert Froud Bulk Haulage has returned to Andover Trailers for a fifth tri-axle step frame and also specified a new plant body for its 2008-plate 26-tonne rigid – replacing competitor bodywork which had become too unreliable for its Scania workhorse.
The Dorset-based haulier selected Andover for the sheer strength of its products, coupled with a proven reputation for building some of the most reliable bodies and trailers on the market.
Robert Froud, Managing Director, says: “We wanted to fit the Scania with an Andover plant body when we bought the truck, but the dealer persuaded us that the competitor product would be just as good.
“Initially it was up to the job, but over time it became impractically expensive to maintain. The truck itself is still in great shape, so we handed it over to Andover Trailers and now we’ve got a body that we know will go the distance.”
Andover Trailers built the plant body to match Robert Froud’s precise requirements for moving small plant and tarmacking equipment. To accommodate flexible loads Andover’s engineers incorporated seven pairs of lashing points, while the company’s 3.7m hydraulic ramps with knife-edged toes create the necessary shallow entry angle for safe and efficient loading and unloading.
“Andover’s build quality is fantastic,” continues Froud. “They’ve given us precisely what we need, while making the ramps shorter than before. This has reduced weight and drag, whilst the build quality gives us every confidence that we could pretty much drive a tank up onto the body and the ramps would be fine. The quality of the bodywork is on a different level.”
The plant body joins Robert Froud’s new tri-axle step frame, which is primarily used to move forestry equipment and excavators. Andover’s design team has built the new trailer with 3.3m flip toe ramps, SAF axles with rear-lift capability, 19.5-inch wheels with disc brakes – a specific request from Robert Froud to provide more consistent braking performance – and extra LED reversing lights for improved safety.
“We’ve been ordering similar spec trailers from Andover for years, they never go wrong, they’re built to last and they do exactly what we need them to do. On top of the build quality they also retain their value like few other brands. We wouldn’t look to anyone else for our step frames,” he concludes.
The plant body and trailer are both on the road five days a week, clocking up around 50,000km per year. Robert Froud has been providing bulk haulage solutions across the south west from its Wimborne base since 1986.
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For information on the heavy haulage and specialist transport solutions provided by Andover Trailers, contact Andover Trailers Ltd, Unit 75, Columbus Way, Walworth Business Park, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5NP. Tel: 01264 358 944 or e-mail: sales@andovertrailers.co.uk Website: www.andovertrailers.co.uk
Note to editor: For further press information please contact Gary Baker or James Keeler on 020 8647 4467.