London bulk haulier McGee has bought 10 Scania L Series 8x4 low height tippers equipped with Thompsons all-steel Loadmaster bodies. The FORS Gold operator wanted to future proof its London operation against anticipated tightening of the Direct Vision Standard in 2024 with these low height cabs.
The bodies use significantly lighter single-skinned Loadmaster Lite specification, meaning they are 500kg lighter than McGee's traditional 8x4s with heavy-duty, double-skinned bodies that weigh around 13.9 tonnes.
With their cabs being set further forward to achieve a lower height, overall vehicle length of the new tippers has increased. To offset this, the new trucks have a 1+3 axle layout with the trailing and steering fourth axle located behind the double drive bogie. This gives the truck an effective wheelbase and manoeuvrability similar to a much shorter 6x4 tipper.
“It’s an unusual fact that these longer vehicles are actually more versatile for city centre work,” said McGee transport manager Andy Weston. “Not only are they able to navigate the streets better, but our drivers now have unmatched forward and side vision making our trucks appreciably safer for pedestrians, cyclists and other third parties."
With their reduced ride height, these tippers cannot handle heavy duty off-road work, but by raising the air suspension they can cope with moderate off-highway duty.
