Supplied by Border Trucks of Carlisle, the Kings Langley-based operator’s new McPhee-bodied addition features air conditioning, 24-litre fridge, auto headlights and wipers, leather steering wheel with cruise and telephone control, plus the Optibrake retarder working in conjunction with the six cylinder DTI 11-litre, 424bhp engine.
Hardcrete initially wanted a traditional 8x4 vehicle, but the Range C430 was available from stock with the right spec – and when managing director James Harding took it for a test drive, he was “mightily impressed”.
“The rear steering axle ensures it won’t have any problems getting into the sorts of tight spots you’d think of sending a six-wheeler,” he adds.
Spending most of its time running as a 6 cubic metre mixer, the lifting and steering rear axle of the Tridem configuration means the Range C can go up to 8 cubic metres if required.
“Even when it is operating at higher weights, there’s the benefit of extra traction and reduced tyre wear when running empty,” says Harding.
The truck’s off-road mode comes as standard on the Optidriver automated transmission and regulates speed regardless of terrain. This means Hardcrete’s driver can select off-road mode when pouring concrete into long kerbside trenches at walking pace.
Hardcrete has since ordered two Range D 4x2s, both specified with McPhee mixers, automated gearboxes and rear air suspension.