The Dudley-based operator’s new addition is a 429bhp FMX, with a lifting and steering rear axle behind its double drive bogie.
It also has an all-steel, double-skinned Loadmaster body, a Palfinger Epsilon crane and grab and the main weight of the truck is positioned over the three rear axles.
Wide single 385/65R22.5 tyres give an increased 9-tonne loading tolerance over the front steering axle.
Pegasus director Tony Hall says typical eight-wheelers are often difficult to manoeuvre on pavement repair and trenching work, due to their conventional wheelbase length: “The Tridem changes all that as it is effectively a shorter 6x4, with an additional lift-up axle behind the bogie,” he says.
“For a truck of its size, the Tridem’s manoeuvrability in tight access situations is simply unmatched.”
Driver Steve White adds: “It’s exceptionally smooth and much easier to steer and position than a standard eight-wheeler…
“And when I have to get the truck into precise positions for using the grab, lifting the rear axle effectively shortens its wheelbase to make everything so much easier – which also speeds up the whole job quite considerably.”