Kent-based construction and plant hire specialist, Skelton Group, has taken delivery of an additional Daf 8x2 rigid mounted with an Andover Trailers plant body.

With a maximum payload of 18 tonnes, the bespoke body is the third to be supplied by Andover Trailers and will be used to deliver a range of small, large and heavy plant. The vehicle is fitted with a red diesel tank for re-filling the equipment, together with a Metool hose reel auto trigger.

Covering 100,000 miles a year, the vehicle is expected to remain on the fleet for five years with Skelton Group delivering to customers across the South of England.

The 9.6 metre long plant body is equipped with power toe ramps, together with a double crank beavertail and hydraulic steady legs. To make loading and unloading easier, ramp controls are fitted to both sides of the body, while hinged chain stays are fitted to the headboard. Eight sets of lashing points are strategically positioned along the frame, ensuring optimum load security.

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To assist the driver onsite, the body has been supplied by the Hampshire-based manufacturer with a chassis-mounted tool box and hi-power work lights on the headboard. For additional safety LED strobe lights are fitted on the ramps.

A hardwood floor with Expamet over the timber on the beavertail and an 8,000lb Superwinch with a wireless remote control system complete the comprehensive specification. The Daf chassis has the latest rear 'lift and steer' axle to improve fuel efficiency and aid site manoeuvrability.

Tim Skelton, Managing Director of Skelton Group, commented: "The new vehicle allows us to move a 15 tonne excavator complete with buckets, breaker and fuel bowser within the legal carrying capacity of the truck. The rear steer axle enables us to access sites that would otherwise prove difficult with a traditional low loader.

"The plant body is rugged enough to cope with the off-road environment of construction sites, while the close attention to detail the Andover team has put into the versatile design allows easy and quick operation."

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