The new 56- and 73-tonne step frames join four other Andover products in operation with the road planing and plant-moving specialist, which ordered its first trailer from the manufacturer in 1988.
Both trailers feature a new box-section slide-out side extension, said to be stronger, simpler to use, easier to clean and galvanised for long service.
Also new to the design are 10-tonne rated RUD swing-up lashing loops and M36 load securing points built into the load bed to accommodate 14 or 16 tonne screw-in RUD lashings.
Tom Osmond, Managing Director of Osmonds, says: “You cannot beat the Andover Trailers build quality. Everything they produce is designed and manufactured to an incredibly high specification – quite frankly, we regard them as the strongest trailers on the market.”
Both trailers have 1m-wide power toe ramps with sliding width adjustment and knife edge toes, to accommodate diverse loads. This includes an extensive fleet of Wirtgen cold-milling machines operated by the company, which range in size from 15 to 36 tonnes, plus any heavy plant being carried by the transport division.
The SFCL56 and SFCL73 step frames are equipped with three and four SAF axles respectively, with a rear-steering capability. Disc brakes, Andover’s own safety-light system and robust 285/70 R 19.5 tyres – the largest fitted to any step frame in the Andover Trailers range – add to the specification.
Both will cover more than 50,000 miles annually and are in operation across the South of England up to seven days a week.