The Ripon-based operator’s new addition is powered by a 494bhp engine and has a Scania G sleeper cab.
Owner Matthew Robinson says the company always chooses Thompsons’ bodies, describing the build quality as “superb”.
He adds: “There’s no better body out there, so for this tipper the choice was automatic.”
Unusually for tipping operations, Robinson chose Thompsons’ single-skinned Loadmaster Lite model in preference to the full-spec heavy duty Loadmaster model. “The Lite version is easily strong and rugged enough for our work, and it also gives us that extra margin of payload, too,” he says.
“It’s got the perfect balance for our needs.”
At 11,500kg unladen, the vehicle offers a payload of 14.5 tonnes – only four less than a typical steel-bodied eight-wheeler.
The truck’s specification also enables it to transport heavy planing machines using a three-axle drawbar trailer.
Driver Mike Gregson says: “When pulling a 20-tonnes-plus, high drag load – particularly over the hills around our area – you really need all the power you can get. With the trailer attached, this is also a truck that you really have to drive properly, and for me having both a manual gearbox and an in-built Scania retarder is ideal.”
He adds: “Straight tipper work for the truck on its own is an absolute doddle, but the point of this vehicle is that it can easily handle every job required of it.”
