Lifterz invests in bespoke trailers

UK Access rental company Lifterz has taken delivery of two Volvo 6 x 2 and 8 x 2 rigid trucks equipped with plant bodies from Andover Trailers.

Lifterz will use the vehicles to deliver a wide variety of access platforms from the company's Ossett depot to customers across the North of England, while also offering additional heavy plant equipment services to customers.

Ben James, Lifterz operations director said, "The decision to place the order with Andover Trailers was made after they were recommended to us by one of our logistics providers - APS Movements. We outsource some deliveries with them which were made using vehicles fitted with Andover's bodies, but we've reviewed our transport operation and believe it's more cost-effective to bring much of this in-house.

"Working closely with Andover's design team, we have been able to create a vehicle that allows us to move larger access platforms or multiple plant orders, giving us the option of being able to meet demands in any region."

The bespoke 9.2 m long plant body includes 1 m wide (access-specification) power toe ramps, with a hinged centre door to allow booms to protrude between the ramps if required, together with a fixed boom support on the headboard to carry the booms over the cabs.

The trailers have hydraulic steady-legs to stabilise the vehicle during the loading and unloading process. There is a remote-control 3636 kg (8000lb) Superwinch, a hardwood floor with Expamet over the timber on the beavertail and steel underlay in the outer bays of the body for additional strength.

Loads are secured by nine pairs of lashing points strategically positioned in the floor, while additional storage has been supplied with a chassis-mounted tool box. The 32 t transporter is expected to cover up to 50000 miles a year and will remain on the fleet for four years.

"The quality of workmanship is second-to-none and is a real head turner, giving us a presence onsite when delivering to customers. Andover Trailers has an excellent reputation in the industry for quality and offer strong residual values which is an added bonus," said Mr James.