BEDS & BUCKS FORKTRUCKS TAKES DELIVERY OF ITS FIRST DEDICATED FORKLIFT TRAILER
24 October 2016
Buckinghamshire-based materials handling company Beds & Bucks Forktrucks has taken delivery of its first ever bespoke-built forklift trailer from Andover Trailers – replacing a converted step frame previously supplied by a competitor.
A specialist in the rental, sale and servicing of materials handling equipment, Beds & Bucks Forktrucks have specified the new trailer with curtainside bodywork and a retractable sliding roof, enabling it to accommodate everything from warehouse equipment to high-mast machines.
Owen Kinns, Director at Beds & Bucks Forktrucks, says: “When it came to replacing our existing trailer the ability to customise the build was extremely important – hence we opted to go with Andover Trailers. It was obvious from the outset that their design team understood exactly what was required and they built a trailer to match our needs perfectly.”
To facilitate the company’s particular requirements the new trailer includes a full width, full height flip-toe ramp with a shallow loading angle for low ground clearance equipment. The TSE sliding roof is an all-steel system which was specifically chosen by Andover Trailers for its sheer strength and durability, which allows it to withstand buffeting when travelling with the roof open. The trailer also incorporates swing-out rear pillars and sliding side pillars with two locking positions, allowing machines wider than the door frame to be loaded with ease.
Andover’s design team specified the trailer with BPW axles, including a steering and lifting capability on the rear axle – and all covered by a comprehensive three year BPW warranty. On the reinforced deck, Andover has added a full Expamet overlay for improved grip, as well as a full-width powered lifting ramp to simplify loading machinery onto the neck. A 6-tonne electric winch is also mounted on the bulkhead to aid the loading and unloading process. Closed steel crossmembers in the frame help to provide additional strength needed for the high point loads that forklift trucks impose, while 24 lashing rings on the lower deck and six on the neck are available to secure all possible load combinations. In addition, the headboard features a combined custom-built toolbox, spare wheel and gas bottle storage compartment – ideal when delivering fleets of gas-powered forklifts.
“The inclusion of things like the toolbox and lifting ramp have been a revelation, dramatically improving the usability of the trailer for our drivers,” adds Kinns.
“Our previous trailer was a converted step frame and wasn’t built for purpose, so it only lasted eight years. We’re confident this new trailer will last a lot longer,” he concludes.
Family-run Beds & Bucks Forktrucks has been serving the Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire area for more than 30 years. Though the new trailer will make the occasional delivery further afield, it will primarily operate across a 50 mile radius from its headquarters in Newport Pagnell, clocking up around 40,000 miles a year.
ends
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.
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