Charlton SuperLite bodies for G. Webb

Payload potential of all-steel bodies maximizes productivity for Cambridgeshire tipper operator

CAMBRIDGESHIRE tipper operators G. Webb have recently put into service two new Charlton-bodied eight-wheelers that are said to deliver a class-leading payload of more than 19.6 tonnes.

Whilst this figure is routinely achieved by tippers with aluminium bodies, Webb’s vehicles are of particular note because they are fitted with all-steel bodies. Said to be the lightest all-steel tipper body on the market, Charlton’s SuperLite is regarded by Webb as the perfect complement to Scania’s latest 410hp P cab chassis.

Ready for work with a full tank of fuel, driver and all ancillary equipment, the two trucks tare off at just under 12,400kg.

‘These new vehicles really represent a new type of tipper for us,’ said Webb’s general manager (haulage), Neil McMurdo. ‘Traditionally, most of our fleet has been built up around bulkers with alloy bodies, often employed on longer-distance work.

‘Today, changing work patterns led by the house-building industry are requiring us to purchase vehicles specced primarily for earthmoving and delivering sand and aggregates. Such work has to mean a steel tipper body, but weight is obviously of particular importance.’

Webb also note that the latest Scania chassis are among the lightest UK-spec eight-wheelers and offer excellent fuel economy. This, they say, means the Charlton/Scania combination delivers a highly productive operating proposition.

‘We’ve been looking at Thompsons and Charlton bodies for many years but we just weren’t operating those types of tippers,’ said company director David Webb. ‘Now things have changed and we’re delighted to bring these new trucks into our fleet.

‘We’re all impressed not just by the SuperLite’s low weight and clean, functional design, but also by Charlton’s particularly high standards of product detailing, fit and finish. For payload, performance and productivity, these new trucks look unbeatable.’

Having recorded a strong business performance over the last two years, G. Webb now run up to 50 vehicles in their own fleet, often with a similar number of sub-contractors. Huge growth in the local Cambridgeshire housing market has meant that the company’s fleet is increasingly working on jobs with utility and infrastructure companies, to which the two new SuperLites are well suited.

‘We also tend to keep our vehicles longer than most companies,’ added Mr Webb, ‘so that’s an even greater stimulus to get their spec right at the outset. These two new tippers will be joined by a third in September, also fitted with a Charlton body but this time with a crane and grab as well.’