Beds & Bucks Forktrucks has specified the trailer with curtainside bodywork and a retractable sliding roof, so that it can accommodate everything from warehouse equipment to high-mast machines.
Owen Kinns, director at Beds & Bucks Forktrucks, says: “When it came to replacing our existing trailer the ability to customise the build was extremely important – hence we opted to go with Andover Trailers. It was obvious from the outset that their design team understood exactly what was required and they built a trailer to match our needs perfectly.”
The trailer includes a full-width, full-height flip-toe ramp with a shallow loading angle for low ground clearance equipment. The TSE sliding roof is an all-steel system, chosen for its strength and durability, which allows it to withstand buffeting when travelling with the roof open. The trailer also incorporates swing-out rear pillars and sliding side pillars with two locking positions, allowing machines wider than the door frame to be loaded with ease.
Andover’s design team specified the trailer with BPW axles, including a steering and lifting capability on the rear axle – and covered by a comprehensive three-year BPW warranty.
On the reinforced deck, Andover has added a full Expamet overlay for improved grip, as well as a full-width powered lifting ramp to simplify loading machinery onto the neck. A six-tonne electric winch is also mounted on the bulkhead for loading and unloading.
Closed steel cross-members in the frame give additional strength for the high point loads that forklift trucks impose, while 24 lashing rings on the lower deck and six on the neck can secure all load combinations. In addition, the headboard features a combined custom-built toolbox, spare wheel and gas bottle storage compartment – ideal when delivering fleets of gas-powered forklifts.
“The inclusion of things like the toolbox and lifting ramp have been a revelation, dramatically improving the usability of the trailer for our drivers,” adds Kinns.
“Our previous trailer was a converted step frame and wasn’t built for purpose, so it only lasted eight years. We’re confident this new trailer will last a lot longer,” he says.