Now the largest specialist excavator hire company in the UK, H.E. SERVICES (PLANT HIRE) Ltd is in the process of upgrading its commercial vehicle fleet with a number of 18 tonnes gvw rigids fitted with Charlton ‘PlantLite’ beavertail bodies.
Offering a 10 tonnes payload, the new trucks are able to carry small to mid-sized plant hire equipment (diggers, tele-handlers and rollers etc) offered by each of H.E.’s 12 nationwide depots. As such, H.E’s new 18 tonners now provide a higher than ever level of overall operating versatility.
Mounted on DAF LF chassis with a 5000mm wheelbase, the 6900mm Charlton PlantLite bodies each feature a galvanised steel subframe, heavy duty meshed headboard and a hardwood floor complete with recessed lashing points as well as cut-outs for both normal and red diesel fuel tanks. The rear ramps, 2500mm long by 1000mm wide, are made in steel and hardwood with raise / lower operation by an electric / hydraulic power pack with full radio remote control.
The headboard also features an electronic winch, again with full remote control.
To maximise operating safety, H.E. SERVICES’ new Charlton PlantLite bodies also feature hydraulically operated stability legs with extra wide feet, an easy to use dual height ‘fall arrest’ webbing system and a retractable rear step. For added practicality and convenience, dual high storage capacity toolboxes along with a full complement of rope hooks, lashing points and work lamps have also been included.
Speaking for H.E. SERVICES, Managing Director Peter Durey explains:
“By being able to carry almost every item in our plant hire inventory, these new trucks will give our depots a significantly higher level of operating versatility. In turn, we can now deliver enhanced levels of service and increased responsiveness to customer requirements.
As to the trucks themselves, a big benefit to H.E. SERVICES has been the ability for us to sit down with Charlton and jointly produce a bodywork specification that precisely suits our needs. We’ve all given our input into the project, and the result is an unqualified success.”
Now working from H.E. SERVICES’ depots all around the country, the new trucks have found particular favour with their drivers as loads to sites that might previously have had to be delivered by an artic can now be transported by a much easier to manoeuvre 4×2 rigid. In turn, delivery and collection of plant equipment from customer premises can be speeded up, significantly adding to overall vehicle utilisation and efficiency.
Andrew Gunn, Sales Manager for Charlton Bodies in Dover comments:
“Building these new trucks for H.E. SERVICES has been a particularly interesting exercise as 18 tonners with beavertail bodies are relatively uncommon. Working closely with both our client and local DAF dealer Channel Commercials of Ashford the result is a vehicle specification that’s ideal for H.E. SERVICES needs, particularly so as the body itself weighs in at a highly attractive 2600kgs.
This is our second fleet order from H.E. SERVICES in recent years, and we are naturally delighted at their continuing enthusiasm for our products.”