The obvious visual features of the N3 specification include a reduced ground clearance over typical off-road (N3G) tippers as well as the rear wheels having four individual mudguards for maximum spray suppression. The new trucks also comply with the latest Direct Vision requirements shortly coming into force.
Whether on-road or off, the new tippers continue the company’s policy of specifying Thompsons’ steel Loadmaster Lite body. Now mounted on Scania’s XT chassis and fitted with P410 cabs, the single-skinned body is said to be suited for tasks such as carrying stone, aggregates, recycled materials, muckaway or rubble and demolition.
Ashvale Haulage managing director James O’Donnell says: “It’s a supremely versatile, universal solution for each and every requirement that comes along. We also spec our bodies with Thompsons air-operated automatic tailgates, which not only provide real a safety bonus by allowing the drivers to stay inside their cabs but also speeds up the whole tipping process as well.”
The latest tippers also continue the company’s policy of fitting Harsh underfloor tipping gears. Adds O’Donnell: “Unlike a front end gear, the Harsh underfloor design has an additional stability frame that keeps the body firmly in line with the chassis when tipping. As a result, the truck is much more stable when the body is raised - a key safety factor when tipping on soft or uneven ground. Axle loads are also optimised with underfloor gears as the body can be brought that bit further forward into the space where a front end tipping gear would be. ”
The company provides a range of haulage, transport and earthworks services, operating some 60 tippers.
With all 10 of the recently delivered tippers now hard at work, Ashvale has already ordered another 20 similar trucks for delivery towards the end of this year.