New Charlton beavertail body for Clancy Plant Hire

Equipment rental firm chooses Charlton-bodied Volvo FM 8x2 rigid truck for optimum versatility

CLANCY Plant Hire (CPH) have taken delivery of a new Volvo FM 8x2 rigid equipped with a high-spec Charlton beavertail body to deliver the maximum operational versatility.

Specially built to provide safe and reliable transportation of plant and equipment between CPH depots and working sites, the Charlton body features a heavy-duty hardwood floor complete with recessed lashing rings and container twistlocks.

At the rear of the beavertail body, dual extendable-length ramps provide a shallow, easy loading angle for machines such as tracked equipment and dumpers. For larger items (eg Portakabin units), the ramps fold forward to provide a fully extended deck space.

Non-motorized equipment can be placed on the truck by a heavy-duty remote-control Ramsey winch, or lifted and loaded via the vehicle’s HMF 5020 crane.

The first truck of its type in the CPH fleet, the Charlton beavertail body has been mounted on a Volvo FM 8x2 chassis, chosen for its air-suspended lifting and steering rear axle. Also, with a shorter effective wheelbase than a conventional 8x4, the FM unit’s manoeuvrability is significantly enhanced, which is an important factor in congested site environments.

The 8x2 configuration also offers a notable weight-saving benefit over a double-drive alternative, as well as delivering improved fuel economy, thanks to a more efficient driveline.

To provide the maximum loading latitude, two forward and rear steering axles are fitted with 385/65R22.5 super single tyres. The truck is also equipped with a Rockinger drawbar coupling, further increasing its versatility by allowing it to pull a trailer.

As well as its operational versatility, the Charlton-bodied truck has been designed to increase safety and ease of use for the driver. Both the winch and crane, for example, can be operated via radio remote control, giving the driver an unrestricted ‘walk-around’ view of the complete loading/unloading process.

Graham Jones, general manager of CPH, commented: ‘The new truck adds considerably to our operating versatility. It allows us to significantly improve our service levels when delivering equipment to customers. We’ve taken particular care to get an optimum yet totally practical vehicle specification, and Charlton have provided a excellent professional bodywork package.’