“We can’t compromise on the ability of the truck to handle all our jobs – which also include moving stone, aggregates and recyclables – but we do want to save weight wherever possible,” says Robert Tipping, Allstone’s transport manager.
“You might describe the truck we really need as a lightweight heavy-duty tipper.”
Allstone has used Harsh sheeting systems before and was impressed by the supplier’s aftersales service. The latest vehicle is specified with the Harsh Slide n’ Go system, as director and co-owner Stewart McNeish explains: “In our experience, the Harsh front to back sheeting system is the only one that guarantees 100% weather protection for the load being carried.
“It enables us to deliver exactly the same amount of material each time, because wet soil is obviously very heavy and the last thing we want to be doing is having a large part of our payload being water.”
The system also improves truck aerodynamics when in the closed position.
To achieve the optimum balance between payload and performance, Allstone’s new Scania has been specified with the smaller and lighter P cab as well as with a lightweight Harsh combined ram and tank front end tipping cylinder. The body is a single skinned all-steel Loadmaster Lite, built by Thompsons at its Edinburgh factory.
McNeish says: “Our aim is for zero downtime, top fuel economy, happy drivers and maximum residual value... Right now, we think the Scania/Harsh/Thompsons combination looks unbeatable. We are absolutely delighted with our new truck.”