The operator has used other Harsh products previously, but the HS14T skiploaders are its first.
The units feature a larger valve block and a more efficient hydraulic circuit to allow an increased oil flow to the lifting cylinders – said to make the HS14T the fastest-acting skiploader in its class.
Constructed from heavy-duty Domex and Hardox steel, it has a lifting capacity of 14 tonnes (arms retracted) and 10 tonnes when the arms are fully extended to the maximum reach of 4,250mm.
Harsh also designed a new sheeting system, with the tarpaulin incorporating a cut-out aperture so the driver can see the skip through the rear window of the cab.
Ashcourt’s waste and recycling manager Paul Cutsforth describes the HS14T as “a truly top-spec skiploader”, adding: “In particular, the remote control system will significantly improve both the speed and safety of our operations.
“In the past, our skiploader bodywork has often been decided by the availability of various items of vehicle stock from the chassis manufacturers, whereas on this occasion we’ve made the deliberate decision to choose Harsh.
“Harsh is now well established in our group, both as our preferred supplier of tipping gears for our 40-strong eight-wheeler fleet, as well as for wet kits on our tractor units.”