ROAD TRANSPORT
AT Best chooses Andover Airdrie-based AT Best Handlers has bought its first brand new triaxle step frame trailer supplied by Andover Trailers, to help deliver a range of industrial equipment to customers across Scotland. The family-run business specialises in selling and servicing Manitou telescopic handlers and forklift trucks, Gehl skid steer loaders and Takeuchi excavators weighing up to 21 tonnes. The SFCL40 has been built to AT Best Handlers’ unique specification, which includes a low profile neck, adjustable wheel stops at the front, and a lifting rear axle with auto-lowering function, to help minimise tyre wear when running light or empty.
Freighter to Display Rugged Solutions in Brisbane Leading trailer manufacturer, Freighter, has announced plans to display its rugged Outback model in May’s Brisbane Truck Show. Built specifically for conditions present in areas such as rural Queensland, the Freighter Outback is designed and built to withstand the worst that Australian roads can throw at it. With transport operators receiving ongoing enquiry from the mining industry, the Freighter Outback is the ideal trailer to handle such demanding requirements.
The 13.2m long trailer also features Granning axles and air suspension with raise and lower control, hardwood flooring and 1m wide ramps with a centre gate allowing AT Best Handlers to load any combination of machines, including three wheeled forklifts. Rod Cunningham, Freighter General Manager, spoke ahead of the show of the increasing interest in the brand’s heavy duty solution. “One of the key The new trailer has replaced a second-hand tri-axle step frame, now things that operators need to be careful of when undertaking these rugged 14-years-old, which AT Best Handlers purchased used from Andover Trail- jobs is the need for the appropriate trailer equipment to suit the task. The ers in 2006. mining industry differs from other industries in that it often involves carrying heavy loads off-road or over unsealed roads in poor condition. These Stuart Rose, Managing Director of AT Best Handlers, says: “This is the factors can often combine to damage or break an ordinary trailer designed first new trailer we’ve bought from Andover Trailers and it’s allowed us the for predominantly highway use.” freedom to have it built to our exact requirements. This includes specifying a hydraulic fold-forward ramp, which we are confident will reduce aerody- Cunningham went on to advise operators that they need to carefully select namic drag significantly, and should help lower our fuel bill.” their trailers to suit the job at hand. “Freighter has purpose designed the Outback Series of trailers for just this requirement – carrying heavy equip“We have also adapted the material used on the ramps as in the past if the ment on terrain of varying quality. We sent a team out into the harshest areas ramp was wet, some of the industrial machines found it hard to maintain of the country to find out what operators need from their trailers in order to traction when loading. This time Andover’s design team have been able to survive the tough conditions of the Australian outback. Reinforced mainrails cover the ramps in expamet to help with grip. It’s these customisations that with more cross-members, heavy duty combing rails and heavy duty tow have really enabled us to get the best trailer for our needs. couplings are just some of the features we’ve incorporated to increase durability. We then tested and tweaked the design to get to what you see today.” “The team at Andover are so experienced, they knew instantly what we needed our trailer to do and they haven’t disappointed. We’re delighted Available as a T-Liner, skel or semi, the Freighter Outback seen at the Briswith it.” bane Show will be a drop deck semi with rear ramps and small foldaway ramps from the lower to the upper deck. “This trailer would be perfect The trailer is finished in ‘Post Office Red’ paint and will operate with a for transporting heavy equipment or mixed loads on harsh terrain,” said Scania 480hp tractor unit, running six days a week, spending the majority of Cunningham, before adding a teaser that the brand plans to exhibit another its working life in Scotland. “surprise” at the show in May. “We can’t say much about it yet, but operators should look forward to seeing yet another Freighter innovation when AT Best Handlers first started its relationship with Manitou in 1972 when they visit our stand in Brisbane.” the company began importing into the UK. At that point Manitou only had three rough terrain forklift trucks in their portfolio, but now AT Best HanFreighter can be found on stand number 30 at the Brisbane Truck Show dlers supply and service their 90 different models. The company sells and 2013. The show runs from the 16th to the 19th May, at the Brisbane Conhires equipment to a range of industries including construction companies, vention and Exhibition Centre. builders’ merchants and coal merchants. source : freighter.com.au source : hgvireland.com
www.indonesialogisticsonline.com | vol. 06 | VI | APRIL- MAY 2013
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