The Ferns Group of Maidstone has just put into service its first Mercedes-Benz Econic trucks in their latest 8×4 specification that features a steering rear axle behind the double drive bogie. Yet whilst these new chassis mark a radical change for the company, Ferns was adamant in fitting them with Thompsons’ long proven Loadmaster tipper body.
James Gupwell, Transport Director for Ferns, says:
“There’s no reason at all for us to change from the Loadmaster. We’ve run this body for years, on all our tippers working in whatever application, and there’s nothing to touch it for strength, durability and reliability. Yes, it’s a premium product at a premium price, but its long term value and exceptionally low ownership costs more than make up for that front end expense.
As an added bonus, the residual values for a tipper with a Loadmaster are always notably higher. You simply can’t get a better body than this.”
Operated by subsidiary company Ferns Surfacing Ltd from its north London Wembley depot, the two Econics are seen as an ideal solution for urban tipper grab work. Their large cabs provide unrivalled forward visibility and interior space for the crew, whilst the shorter effective wheelbase than for a typical 8×4 makes for greater manoeuvrability and tighter turning.
With Thompsons delivering the entire bodywork package including installation of the Epsilon Palfinger cranes through to finished paint, Ferns’ latest trucks mark a significant advance in both operating versatility and safety.
Firmly established as the UK’s top selling tipper body, Loadmaster is available in three versions – the full spec Loadmaster, the Loadmaster Lite and the recently launched Loadmaster X – Lite. For the Econics, Ferns chose the first of these, which differ from the others by having a heavy duty, double skinned body with cornerposts front and rear. Ferns also specified each body with a toolbox, wacker carrier and rear towing pin. Fuelled and ready for work, the trucks tare off at a competitive 16,500kgs which, spec for spec, is similar to a standard eight wheeler.
Operating in the closely related fields of surfacing, aggregates, recycling and utilities, Ferns Group works throughout London, the South East and East Anglia. With its surfacing business dealing with over 100,000 roadway and pavement reinstatements per year, Ferns places maximum emphasis on the performance, reliability and safety of its vehicle fleet which is backed up by a continuous investment program that requires all its trucks are replaced within five years.
Accredited to FORS Silver standard, Ferns Surfacing Ltd has also achieved the prestigious CLOCS Champions rating as well.
Speaking for Thompsons, director Scott Burton comments:
“We are naturally delighted to have been chosen by Ferns to help produce this latest advance in their tipper fleet. As the UK’s leading tipper bodybuilder, larger companies such as Ferns increasingly recognise our ability to not only produce bodies of the highest quality but also to project manage new tipper solutions from start to finish.
As such, their new Econics provide ideal testimony to our capabilities.”
Photos: Ferns’ new Loadmaster – bodied Econics are ideal for any surfacing job in London – including pavement repairs outside Buckingham Palace.
