Murphy orders new trailers and plant bodies

Murphy has taken delivery of the first of six new plant bodies and four drawbar trailers from Andover Trailers, citing the versatile loading options and build quality as key factors in placing the order.

All six bespoke-built, low-profile plant bodies are mounted to new 32-tonne 8x2 Mercedes Arocs chassis, with four featuring a front-mounted PK63002E Palfinger crane. Each of the four tri-axle heavy duty drawbar trailers offers a range of innovative loading solutions and will help to significantly increase payload capacity.

Mark Olden, logistics manager at Murphy said: “Andover Trailers listened to our requirements and provided high-spec solutions to deliver exactly what we needed. We chose Andover for the versatility and range of their drawbar combinations, and are very pleased with the quality of the workmanship on the builds we have received so far.”

The six plant bodies replace older units, while the four drawbars are new additions to the company’s 40-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet.

Each of the new plant bodies includes a hydraulic beavertail, underslung coupling and Andover’s pioneering fold-forward ramps, which combine to offer a flat load bed, providing maximum deck space on the truck and trailer. When folded, the ramps also keep wind resistance to a minimum, which in turn helps to reduce fuel consumption.

The specialist ramps also allow for the plant body to be through-loaded via the trailer without having to uncouple the two. This helps to dramatically reduce loading and unloading times and is one of the unique features that attracted Murphy to the design.

The four front-mounted Palfinger cranes offer a 2,950 kg lift at a 15.7 metre reach, providing maximum load versatility, including the transportation of cabins to site. With the trailers offering an additional payload capacity of up to 18 tonnes, each combination can carry a large range of plant, from 3-tonne dumpers through to 15-tonne telehandlers.

The trucks, plant bodies and trailers have also been designed to meet the three-star rating for London’s Direct Vision Standard, including camera systems and audible turning alerts. They also feature a telescopic working at height system for maximum operator safety.

Operating out of Murphy’s Hemel Hempstead and Ollerton plant depots, the trucks and trailers will be on the road between five to six days per week, allowing them to supply plant to sites across the UK.