Pilkington gets seven shiny new Supertrucks DAFs07 April 2010

Pilkington has specified seven specialist coach-built bodies for 18-tonne gvw DAF LF 55-220 chassis cabs, with a 9.5 tonne payload, from Supertrucks.

Simon Philpott, branch manager at Pilkington Group's Birmingham depot, explains that the new bodies have concertina roofs to enable overhead loading by crane, as well as 2.2 tonne capacity external glass racks on the nearside, with their own safety curtain.

Inside, he points to Supertrucks special racking system. Glass is normally carried on 100mm-high blocks, so that the crane's loading grabs can withdraw, but with the new racks and channels built into the body floor/underframe, the crane grabs can withdraw, while allowing the glass to rest directly on the floor.

Philpott says that reduces the risk of breakage while also lowering the centre of gravity of the load. And, to provide the best of both worlds, the channels can be covered with folding flaps to provide a flat floor when overhead loading is not used.

He also cites Supertrucks' Pack Stops, which provide additional security, preventing the load from moving forward under emergency braking.

"We are very pleased with our four new Supertrucks-bodied 18-tonners. The drivers find them easy to operate and the new bodies are providing even greater operational efficiency in our intensive delivery operation – typically 10—12 drops per day," comments Philpott.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Supertrucks Ltd

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