The new 36-tonne tri-axle stepframe curtainsider is an addition to Blackmores’ fleet, and can accommodate its 16-tonne Versalift and 27-tonne Hoist heavy-duty forklifts.
Wayne Scott, operations manager at Blackmores, says: “We have to carry some pretty sizeable forklifts over long distances, and we knew a standard off-the-shelf trailer wasn’t going to be suitable.
“The team at Andover were able to tailor the specification to suit our needs precisely. We’ve been thoroughly impressed with both their attention to detail and in the build quality of the trailer.”
Andover’s forklift trailers have closely spaced cross-members within the frame, giving additional strength but keeping the gross trailer weight as low as possible, for maximum payload.
Andover’s design and materials “make a real difference”, says Scott, adding: “We have a similar stepframe in our fleet which doesn’t offer nearly the same strength, yet it weighs around two tonnes more.”
The new trailer has a full width, full height, flip-toe knife-edged ramp, with reversing lamps, alarm and camera, as well as LED strobes and lights.
It also has an all-steel, hinged retractable TSE sliding roof, chosen by Andover for its strength and durability, along with swing-out rear pillars and sliding side pillars with two locking positions, allowing machines wider than the door frame to be loaded with ease.
The three SAF axles come with a 12-month warranty and include lifting capability at the rear. On the reinforced deck, Andover has added Expamet overlay to the beavertail for improved grip, while a six-tonne electric winch is mounted on the neck to aid loading and unloading. Diverse load combinations are possible thanks to 30 lashing rings around edge of the lower deck and neck, with six extra lashing points added to the centre of the trailer.
The trailer will be on the road up to seven days a week and in operation across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.