Edbro is suggesting that its recently launched CX14 tipping cylinder is among key measures open to bodybuilders wanting to cut tipper weight in order to increase payload.
Peter Smith of Edbro says that his firm's lighter weight tipping mechanism helps to offset additional equipment – such as Adblue tanks, pumps and SCR (selective catalytic reduction) catalysts – designed to cut emissions in line with Euro 5 legislation.
Making the point that single skin and composite body designs are limited by the type and characteristics of the materials being transported, Smith says that the fully- integrated ram and tank design of the CX14 offers ease of integration for body builders, and weight savings of up to 230kg against competitor products.
This, he says, allows the end user a potential increase in payload of 1.15 tonnes per day for a typical five loads schedule, or 5.75 tonnes for a five-day week.
"In cash terms, taking a figure of £5 per tonne, this equates to £1,380 of additional income for the truck operator each year, or a potential saving of £8,280 over the life of the chassis, assuming this to be six-years," claims Smith.
As for how the weight saving has been achieved, Smith asserts that Edbro used 3D computer modelling and 'finite element analysis' techniques, combined with the company's one- piece laser welded tube construction.
Interestingly, he says that during the design phase, engineers were tasked with producing cylinders capable of 22—25 tonnes nominal lift capacity for a 32-tonne nominal truck gvw.
The cylinder also had to be able to tip the nominal legal loads in typical working conditions, which included inclines of up to 10 degrees, with no reduction in performance or durability.
The design also targeted a weight saving of at least 60kg on Edbro's previous CX15 model – itself claimed at already 165kg lighter than competitor products – and called for 30% faster tipping times to improve productivity.