National transport provider RT Keedwell Group and its long-term client H & H Celcon together identified a need to reduce environmental impact of their vehicles operating inside the M25 specifically.
Working with specialist vehicle manufacturer, Massey Truck Engineering, who oversaw the entire build, the firm enlisted specialist help in each area, including truck manufacturer Renault Trucks and local dealer Renault Truck Commercials, and on-road handling equipment provider Hiab.
The first-of-a-kind trucks, known as the ‘Borough GREEN machines’, use a Renault Trucks C380 6x2 lift axle rigid drawbar combination equipped with lighter-weight day cab for this payload-sensitive sector. Additional weight reduction modifications undertaken at the bodybuilders, including the removal of the passenger seat, successfully achieved a 28t payload for the first time in a construction brick truck using a 26t drawbar combination.
The project has taken three years to complete. Director of RT Keedwell Group, Stuart Keedwell, commented: “What sets these vehicles apart from others is the lightweight chassis and innovative design of the whole build, which means the customer can carry more product and therefore be more efficient and profitable. We’re delighted with the outcome so far and look forward to monitoring the performance over the coming months.”
Hiab’s remote-controlled X-Hiduo 158B-2 loader cranes were selected.
Managing the project and vehicle build, Massey’s identified ways to make the vehicle as low emission as possible including the use of hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) as fuel for the vehicles, powered by Renault Trucks’ 13-litre DTi Euro VI engine.
RT Keedwell has also worked with Traffic Angel to design a drawbar camera system allowing the driver an all-round view whilst manoeuvring forwards and backwards. Cameras on both sides of the wagon and main unit allow a split-screen view left and right when needed.
Keedwell concluded: “These vehicles are truly one of a kind- with a 28t payload using a 26t drawbar combination - there is nothing quite like them currently in the UK. The weight reduction of the vehicle when taking into account all of the unique enhancements gives a significant additional load carrying capacity over the current standard and a consequential reduction in delivery cost, which has been used to offset the additional HVO cost.”