Bradfords specifies bespoke crane trucks from Ryder14 June 2019

Builder’s merchant Bradfords Building Supplies has taken delivery of the first vehicles from a 28-strong order of crane trucks, from commercial vehicle rental and hire business Ryder.

The new arrivals are a mix of DAF LF and CF dropsides, ranging from 12 tonnes to 26 tonnes, all with radio remote control Atlas cranes, the majority being rear-mounted.

Martin Caddick, head of transport at Bradfords, explains: “Given that we needed to place such a large order, I took the opportunity to review our entire truck fleet specification. We started with a clean sheet of paper and asked ourselves what does a good builders’ merchant vehicle look like? We canvassed our 43-branch network for their suggestions on vehicle specs and I am pleased to say many ideas made it to the final cut.

“Ryder got involved in that process. We needed longevity from the trucks, they needed to be fit for purpose, and maintenance/downtime had to be kept to a minimum. We had a preferred bodybuilder and crane supplier that we wanted to work with (Wessex Vehicle Services and Atlas, respectively), and Ryder were happy to accommodate that.”

He adds: “We went through a very rigorous six-month procurement process, and although the financials were key, Ryder’s position in the market gave them an edge – they’re a well-established big player, able to offer us the service and economies of scale that a modern builders’ merchant requires.”

The Atlas radio remote control cranes feature portable joystick controls, allowing drivers to move around the vehicle safely while operating the crane.

The cranes also feature automated warning lighting: when the PTO is switched on, the crane and truck warning beacons/LED lighting automatically switch on.

The cranes’ LOLER tests will be performed during normal crane servicing to also minimise downtime.

Ryder and Atlas designed a crane pad stowage system to store the pads within the outrigger system, rather than elsewhere on the vehicle. This means the pads are always within 500mm of where they are needed, reducing the need to lift and carry them.

The vehicles are also fitted with V-Rave side-rails on the body, and these are also set with an anti-slip surface.

All of Bradfords’ 43 branches are operating centres, and it uses Ryder’s FleetCare Online system to manage MOT certificates and service/inspection sheets.

The new trucks have been delivered via DAF dealer Ford & Slater.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
DAF Trucks Ltd
Ryder Ltd

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