Power at the front and at the back

Thompsons AutoLift hydraulic tailgates offer extra performance on John Stacey & Sons’ latest tippers

NOW running more than 50 heavy trucks, Hampshire-based John Stacey & Sons are part-way through an eight-vehicle fleet-upgrade programme, all of their latest tippers being specified with Thompsons Loadmaster bodies fitted with AutoLift hydraulic ‘power up/power down’ tailgates.

‘We place maximum emphasis on a truck’s versatility, performance and productivity,’ said company director Steve Stacey, adding ‘which for tipper bodies means we inevitably choose Thompsons.

‘Over the years, the heavy-duty double-skinned Loadmaster has proved to be a remarkable piece of equipment, able to carry anything and everything with next to zero maintenance issues or downtime.

‘Quite simply, we buy the best tipper bodies we possibly can, so we now specify our Loadmasters with Thompsons’ AutoLift hydraulic tailgate as well, because they significantly increase the overall performance of the vehicle.’

As the Stacey tippers demonstrate, AutoLift is the ideal complement for the rugged double skinned Loadmaster. Given that this is a tipper body designed to carry loads such as over-sized rocks, rubble or demolition materials, ejecting such irregular payloads runs the risk of damaging a conventional tailgate with its fixed-height hinge and top rail.

In contrast, the hydraulic cylinders located in the AutoLift’s rear corner posts not only raise the whole tailgate assembly to create a 25% larger rear body aperture, but also hold the tailgate panel in an open horizontal position. As a result, the whole tailgate assembly is positioned well clear of the exiting payload.

With the load successfully ejected and the body lowered, AutoLift then ‘powers down’ the tailgate into a fixed closed position secured by lugs on the rearmost side of the corner posts.

Operated up and down by a single switch inside the cab, AutoLift makes the whole tipping process easier, faster and safer, as well as significantly reducing the possibility of incidental damage to the vehicle.

‘Over the life of the truck AutoLift more than pays for itself, said Mr Stacey. ‘A conventional fixed-height tailgate is much more prone to damage, which, in turn, means incurring additional costs for repairs and vehicle downtime. AutoLift also adds to the residual value of the truck when we sell it. In essence, AutoLift makes a modern tipper complete.’

Complete with their 450hp engines, Stacey’s new DAF tippers with their Loadmaster AutoLift bodies deliver a powerful performance from the front of the truck to the rear.

Four of the eight new tippers are now on the road, with another two CFs and two Volvo FMXs to follow. The new trucks also mean that all the tippers in Stacey’s extensive fleet are now bodied by Thompsons.

Speaking at Thompsons headquarters in Croydon, joint managing director Scott Burton said: ‘We’re delighted that John Stacey & Sons are realizing the full benefit of using our AutoLift tailgate and have once again chosen it for their latest eight tippers.

‘With their trucks often having to carry irregular payloads, this is the ideal application for a tipper tailgate that can be raised higher and out of harm’s way when ejecting the load. Making tipping speedier and safer is really what AutoLift is all about.’