West Sussex-based forklift supplier, Mexmast, has taken delivery of a new Andover Trailers tri-axle step frame forklift trailer, replacing the company’s existing Andover build after 12 years in service and 750,000km.

As it had performed impeccably for more than a decade, the new trailer has been built to almost the same bespoke specifications as the one it replaces, featuring curtainside bodywork and a retractable roof.

Mark Sibun, Service Director at Mexmast, says: “We took delivery of our first Andover forklift trailer in 2004 and it’s performed well in service from day one. We saw no reason to look anywhere else when it came to modernising the trailer, and the specification of the new build is once again completely bespoke to our business.”

Mexmast transports a variety of forklifts around south-east England for sale, contract hire and rental. To accommodate such a variety of loads, the trailer features a full width, full height flip-toe ramp with a shallow loading angle; a powered lifting neck ramp that facilitates loading on the neck; a reinforced steel centre channel to support three-wheeled forklifts; and 30 lashing points to provide a versatile load securing system.

The combination of a low trailer height and sliding roof allows forklifts with a mast height of up to four metres to be loaded. The TSE sliding roof system, which features four locking positions, was chosen by Andover for its strength and durability. The trailer design also incorporates swing-out rear pillars and sliding side pillars with two locking positions, meaning machines wider than the door frame can be loaded with ease.

Though Mexmast chose not to deviate far from its previous Andover build, some new features were incorporated, including brighter and more durable LED lighting and the capability to lift the rear SAF axle from the cab, with Andover assisting with the installation of the system into Mexmast’s new 4×2 Volvo FM tractor unit.

The trailer will be on the road five days a week, is expected to be in operation for a minimum of 10 years, and will average approximately 60,000km a year.

“Andover genuinely understands our business and the team were able to offer some new additions to the trailer that make daily operation easier. It’s great to work with a company that has that outlook, and can also deliver a quality finished product to match,” Sibun adds.

A family-owned business based in Burgess Hill, Mexmast has been supplying Doosan forklifts and providing forklift maintenance to firms across the south east for more than 30 years.

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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.

Paisley-based haulage contractor, Truck Plant Services, has taken delivery of a new tri-axle step frame trailer from Andover Trailers – the latest in a long line of Andover builds operated by the company dating back 20 years.

The new bespoke-built trailer features a closely spaced cross member construction which facilitates the loading of a large variety of plant machinery – from powered access and drilling equipment, through to compact heavy forklifts that have a high point-load over their wheels.

Kenny Blair of Truck Plant Services, says: “There’s nothing we move that this trailer can’t handle – and that’s exactly what we needed. Options like the closely spaced cross members increase the types of machine we can transport and therefore extend the working life of the trailer.”

Andover’s lightweight construction techniques allow 25 tonnes of plant to be loaded within C&U (Construction and Use) limits, while the low deck height ensures that forklifts up to four metres can still be carried below standard bridge height.

“Andover Trailers give you versatility that other manufacturers struggle to match, and that’s why we keep coming back to them. We’re very particular with what we need in our fleet, and when you take the strength, low weight and loading capabilities of their trailers into consideration, Andover always fits the bill,” Blair adds.

The new build features Andover Trailers’ innovative full-width hydraulic fold-forward ramp system that helps to minimise aerodynamic drag, while also accommodating easy loading for the variety of equipment Truck Plant Services transports.

Other elements built into the design include BPW axles, with rear-lifting axle capability, a high-power winch, strobes, safety lights, extra reversing lights, and LED lighting for safer working in the hours of darkness.

The new trailer is expected to stay in operation for a minimum of 10 years, clocking between 70,000 and 80,000km per year. It joins five other Andover products currently in the Truck Plant Services fleet and replaces a similar Andover step frame that the company has been running since 1999. In a testament to the build quality of Andover’s products, the old trailer has been given a new lease of life and sold on the used trailer market.

Truck Plant Services is a family run business that has been trading since 1969. The company provides comprehensive transport solutions for construction plant, industrial machinery and forklifts for the materials handling, road construction and rock drilling industries.

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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.

Andover Trailers has launched a new generation of tri-axle step frame trailers, designed to carry a wide range of machines whilst maintaining a flat deck. Its launch marks one of the most significant new products from the British trailer manufacturer for a decade.

Named the step frame machinery carrier (SFMC), it is a direct response by Andover Trailers to the changing requirements that operators across many sectors are experiencing – namely the ability to use one vehicle to safely move an ever increasing range of machinery. The SFMC gives Andover customers access to a high-specification trailer as standard, one that can be further customised with a range of popular options.

The new model, which has been in development for 12 months, is built to a standard length of 11.9 metres (king pin to rear), is available with a choice of 17.5 or 19.5 inch wheels and tyres – with either BPW or SAF axles – and features a Knorr-Bremse braking system with a Trailer Information Module fitted as standard. The SFMC has a gross trailer weight of 45 tonnes, which can be increased to 48 tonnes if specified with optional slide-out extensions. This gives the trailer a competitive payload of up to 35 or 38 tonnes respectively.

Key to the trailer specification is the combination of a full-length flat bed and full-width power-lifting neck ramp. This makes it flexible enough to carry both tracked and wheeled plant, access equipment with low ground clearance, as well as static payloads such as cabins or containers.

This variety of potential loads means that versatile securing capability is essential. The SFMC therefore features 16 RUD swivel side lashings, rated at 10 tonnes; six screw-in RUD lashing rings on the bed, rated at either 14 or 16 tonnes; along with two chain trays. The neck of the trailer features a further six 13 tonne loops set into the floor and two on the neck riser, plus three toolboxes.

The SFMC trailer has the capability to house a working at height safety system as standard – this can be added at any time during the trailer’s life. All non-structural additions, for example extra lights, winch, choice of headboard and type of ramp can then be added according to customer request. Axles can also be upgraded to lifting or steering variants to meet customer needs.

“Our customers were demanding a more versatile load carrier that could move a wider variety of equipment – all without compromising safety during loading or on the road,” says Bob Gowans, Andover Trailers Commercial Manager. “This trailer is a major step forward in that regard. The innovative approach we’ve taken has allowed us to retain the strength of the four-member design which has kept Andover customers coming back for more than 30 years.”

Two of the new SFMCs have already been delivered: one to County Tyrone-based KDM Hire, one of the UK and Ireland’s largest equipment rental companies; and the second to Wiltshire based paving company, Thornbury Surfacing. Gowans confirms a further four frames are already on order, and customer response is proving to be very positive.

The SFMC is built exclusively at Andover Trailers’ production facility in Andover, Hampshire.

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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.

Kent-based Osmonds Transport & Planing has taken delivery of two new step frame trailers with beavertails from Andover Trailers – continuing a working relationship between the two companies which has lasted almost three decades.

The new 56 and 73 tonne step frames join four Andover Trailers’ products currently in operation with the road planing and plant-moving specialist, which ordered its first trailer from Andover in 1988.

Both trailers stand out for featuring a new generation of box-section slide-out side extension which is stronger, simpler to use, easier to clean and which is now galvanised to ensure a long life in service. Also new to the design is the installation of 10 tonne rated RUD swing-up lashing loops and M36 load securing points built into the load bed to accommodate 14 or 16 tonne screw-in RUD lashings, for easier load securing.

Tom Osmond, Managing Director of Osmonds Transport & Planing, says: “You cannot beat the Andover Trailers build quality. Everything they produce is designed and manufactured to an incredibly high specification – quite frankly, we regard them as the strongest trailers on the market.

“What’s more, you always receive that personal touch with Andover – it’s one of the reasons we keep coming back year after year.”

Both trailers have been built with 1m wide power toe ramps with sliding width adjustment and knife edge toes, to accommodate a wide range of cargoes. This includes an extensive fleet of Wirtgen cold-milling machines operated by the company, which range in size from 15 to 36 tonnes, plus any heavy plant being carried by the transport division.

The SFCL56 and SFCL73 step frames are equipped with three and four SAF axles respectively, with a rear-steering capability. Disc brakes, Andover’s own safety-light system and robust 285/70 R 19.5 tyres – the largest fitted to any step frame in the Andover Trailers range – add to the impressive specification.

Finished in ‘midnight blue’ paintwork, they have also been pre-fitted for a working at height safety system on the neck, to allow for easy retrofitting at a later stage.

Both trailers will cover more than 50,000 miles annually and are in operation across the South of England up to seven days a week.

Established in 1975 and operating from Brenchley, Kent, Osmonds Transport & Planing runs an extensive fleet of road planing machines, tippers, road sweepers, step frames and low loaders. The company is also a member of the Association of Planing Contractors.

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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 James Keeler on 020 8647 4467.

H.E. SERVICES, one of the UK’s largest specialist plant hire companies, has taken delivery of 12 new Andover Trailers step frames and five DAF CF 8×2 rear steer plant bodies as part of its commitment to provide the highest quality service to customers.

The company, which boasts a fleet of more than 3,500 items of plant for hire, has very specific requirements when it comes to moving the machinery around and requires robust, bespoke designed and purpose-built trailers.

H.E. SERVICES Director Pam Durey says: “We have a very good, long term relationship with Andover Trailers and when some of our current assets came up for replacement, Andover Trailers was our number one choice. Our decision was based on the fact that Andover continues to offer exactly what we need for our specialist operation with no compromises. The team also consistently delivers a high strength, low weight product which allows for maximum ease of use.”

The 12 trailers, which were manufactured at Andover’s Hampshire facility, include a mix of 48 tonne and 56 tonne 3-axle, and 67 tonne 4-axle step frame trailers. All the trailers are equipped with a low profile neck, SAF axles with disc brakes, a steel channel in the centre of the frame over the bogie to accommodate excavators’ dipper arms, steel underlay to the hardwood floor and a chain tray in the main bed.

Featuring Andover Trailers’ innovative fold forward radio controlled ramps, the trailers are streamlined for optimal fuel efficiency, whilst hydraulic steady legs provide a stable platform for loading and unloading on site.

Both the larger 56 tonne and 67 tonne trailers have slide-out side extensions for the transportation of larger machinery and run on uprated 265/70 R 19.5 tyres, with the 56 tonne model having a rear steering axle which automatically locks when reversing. Purpose-built to transport H.E. SERVICES’ 22m long reach excavators – the 67-tonne trailers ride on four axles of which the rear two are steering, plus the front axle has lifting capability.

Safety is a major focus for both H.E. SERVICES and Andover Trailers and all the trailers are built to meet Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) standards. This sees them provisioned with multiple lashing points, reverse beepers and cameras, plus strobes both on and between the ramps to ensure the units are highly visible in all light levels.

The five plant bodies (LPPB32) have been added to the fleet to assist H.E. SERVICES in delivering machines to even the most inaccessible sites. Each DAF rigid has been specified with an Andover Trailers plant body with single crank beavertail and fold forward power toe ramps. Combining the low profile of the Andover body with low profile tyres and the extra length of the power toe ramps gives the best possible loading angle to suit a wide range of machinery. Operator safety is even further enhanced when loading by the removable working at height barriers fitted as part of the extensive specification.

H.E. SERVICES has more than 40 years’ experience within the plant hire sector and operates a nationwide service from 12 depots strategically placed around the country. Its extensive fleet includes diggers, excavators, dumpers, telehandlers, twin drum rollers and a range of attachments. The H.E. SERVICES Group also owns four Diggerland sites in the UK, as well as EVision Supercars, which rent out the Tesla electric supercars.

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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

For further information on H.E. SERVICES please contact Pam Durey 020 8804 2000 or email nhc@heservices.co.uk Website www.heservices.co.uk

Note to editor: For further press information please contact James Keeler on 020 8647 4467.

A Falkirk-based plant hire specialist has seen its fuel costs significantly reduce after specifying a new tri-axle step frame from Andover Trailers, fitted with the company’s innovative fold forward ramps – proven to improve fuel efficiency by approximately 1mpg.

The order marks the first Andover-built trailer to enter the fleet, with the Lomond Plant Group already placing an order for another trailer to be delivered during early summer, based on the success of this initial step frame. They are being used to support the family-run business’ expansion into the North West of England.

Ross Easton, Joint Managing Director at Lomond Plant Group, explains: “We recently opened a new depot in Merseyside and the new trailer has been pivotal to the success of this operation from the start.

“We are currently running 50 excavators in the North West, so we need a trailer we can rely on to have our plant in the right place at the right time. Trailer utilisation has been high since day one, and the Andover step frame has performed brilliantly.

“The icing on the cake has been the fuel saving we’ve noticed over our existing trailers. We’re confident the ramp design is saving us in the region of 1mpg every day. Over the course of a year that’s a significant advantage.”

In addition to its 1m wide and 2.5m long hydraulic fold-forward ramps – a design pioneered by Andover Trailers – the bespoke-built SFCL 56 features a low profile neck, plus side extensions to the deck, bridge and beavertail. It has been finished in striking black paintwork, with silver conspicuity stripes.

The customer specified SAF axles and air-suspension, with the rear axle able to be lifted when running light, or to reduce tyre scrub during tight manoeuvring. The air-suspension can also be raised and lowered by the driver, to ensure optimum approach angles when loading plant, plus maximum ground clearance for uneven terrain.

Other features include robust hardwood flooring, toolboxes with lids for storing accessories, a chain tray in the bed of the trailer, and heavy-duty hydraulic steady legs – which guarantee a safe and stable platform when parked on uneven ground.

The trailer will be on the road up to six days a week and will operate with a high-spec Scania R580 Topline tractor unit.

Lomond Plant Hire benefits from more than 30 years industry experience. In addition to its new depot in St Helen’s, Merseyside, the company also runs depots in Falkirk, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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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 James Keeler on 020 8647 4467.

AT/373/15

Specialist rail contractor Alan Blaylock Haulage Ltd. has purchased a bespoke tri-axle step-frame trailer from Andover Trailers, relying on the trailer’s durability to move road rail vehicles and other plant across the north of England seven days a week.

The business, based in Carlisle, operates a single tractor unit and trailer, with the Andover step frame bought to replace an older Nooteboom unit.

The SFCL 48 trailer, with rail lines on its upper and lower deck, allows Alan Blaylock Haulage to carry rail plant weighing up to 33 tonnes. It is fitted with hydraulic steady legs with large feet to provide maximum stability during loading and unloading, as well as BPW air suspension with raise/lower controls to make it easier for the driver to reach isolated sites.

Alan Blaylock, Managing Director of Alan Blaylock Haulage Ltd., says: “I first came across Andover when I was a driver for another company; I was really impressed with the quality and performance of the trailer so when it came time to purchase a custom-built trailer for myself, I knew they would be able to help me.

“90 per cent of our work is based around the railways, so the trailer not only needed the capacity to carry specialised loads, but the durability and manoeuvrability to reach sites across the rail network. The nature of this business means our delivery and collection points are not always located along surfaced roads, nor do they always have ample turning space.”

The trailer features a low deck height and a beavertail that provides approach angles that make it easier to load and unload machinery.

Blaylock adds: “The rail sector operates on razor thin deadlines; we need to use equipment that can be depended upon. We know that the Andover is strong enough to run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, should that be required.”

Worth more than £50,000, the trailer has been equipped with fold forward ramps which can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 per cent.

The new trailer will operate with a powerful Scania R560 tractor unit and has been finished in matching red paint. It has also been supplied with yellow conspicuity markings and three pairs of LED flood lights that improve safety during night time operations.

Alan Blaylock Haulage Ltd. is currently operating to provide haulage services to Story Contracting, an approved Network Rail supplier.

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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 Sam Hargreaves or James Keeler on 020 8647 4467.