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.
For information on the heavy haulage and specialist transport solutions provided by Andover Trailers, contact Ivan Collins at Andover Trailers Ltd, Unit 75, Columbus Way, Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 5NP. Tel: 01264 358 944 or e-mail: sales@andovertrailers.co.uk Website: www.andovertrailers.co.uk