The 2004 Scania will remain in service; the new Scania vehicle is a fleet addition to give more flexibility and the ability to move larger loads.
Andrew Heaton, director at AH Plant Hire, says: “We’ve looked after our original Scania and both the truck and body have been brilliant.
“We calculated that the vehicle has been loaded and unloaded close to 120,000 times, and it’s still going strong – if that isn’t a testament to the build quality and longevity of Andover’s products, I don’t know what is.”
The new body has Andover’s trademark low-profile deck: it also features a double crank beavertail connected to a pair of 2.8m long hydraulic power toe, knife-edged ramps, with a hydraulic winch to aid loading and unloading and 10 pairs of lashing points on the deck.
The combination of the double crank beavertail and longer ramp length creates a shallower load angle, improving safety when loading and unloading. Other safety features include additional lighting under the bed and inside the toolboxes, for easier night-time operation.
“The ability to develop a plant body to our specific requirements is what makes Andover stand out from its competitors – that and the fantastic level of customer service we have received from them since day one. It sealed our decision to remain loyal to Andover with this latest order,” Heaton adds.
AH Plant expects the new vehicle to remain in service for around six years. It will be on the road six days a week, covering up to 75,000km a year.