Charlton’s exceptional product diversity boosts delivery capacity
for Grant & Stone

Thursday, 23rd February 2017

Grant & Stone Ltd, one of the Home Counties leading builder’s and plumber’s merchants and electrical wholesalers is significantly boosting its delivery capacity with the addition of a variety of new Charlton – bodied trucks.

Leading the way is a 26 tonnes gvw 6×2 lift axle Mercedes-Benz Arocs, this chassis being equipped with a lightweight Charlton ‘BuildLite’ triple dropside alloy body fitted with a rear mounted, remote control HIAB crane.

Equally suited to both bulk load distribution and multi-drop work, the truck with its 6850mm long body and crane still offers a generous 13 tonnes payload.

“This new truck increases our operating versatility quite considerably” says Grant & Stone’s Chief Executive Nick House. “On the one hand, the 6850mm body gives us lots of deck space, so the truck can easily handle almost every item in our inventory. A long body also provides plenty of room for bulk loads, and nor do we have to stack too many products on multi-drop work. In both types of operation, unloading the truck is therefore simple and straightforward, which speeds up the job quite considerably.”

As for the chassis, the short effective wheelbase of 5100mm ahead of the lift axle aids manoeuvrability in tight delivery points quite considerably, with the high set cab also providing the driver with superb all – round vision.”

Built with galvanised cross members supporting an aluminium planked floor, this particular Charlton BuildLite body also features triple 840mm high alloy dropsides, easy access steps to the rear nearside and a steel – framed tailgate.

The crane, mounted at the rear, affords both full 360 degree operation and a long reach, thereby offering the ability to place loads such as palletised bricks almost anywhere around the truck with particular accuracy and precision.

And, thanks to the crane’s full remote control, the truck driver is free to view the unloading operation from anywhere around the truck, greatly improving operating safety in often difficult and congested environments.

Also coming into the Grant & Stone fleet is another Mercedes, this time a shorter 6×2 chassis fitted with a dropside tipping body and a crane behind the cab. Additionally, two DAF LF 18 tonners have been specified with conventional Charlton tipping bodies and cranes for the delivery of sand, aggregates and topsoil.

Founded in 1987, Grant & Stone is based in High Wycombe and operates multiple depots in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Middlesex. Serving both the merchant trade and the general public, the company is also a leading electrical wholesaler as well as a supplier of quality kitchens and bathrooms.

Speaking for Charlton, Sales Manager Andrew Gunn comments;

“Charlton’s ability to offer a complete range of bodywork solutions all from a single source was perhaps the key factor in winning us this important business from Grant & Stone. We are hugely appreciative of their support and recognition of the experience and expertise that Charlton offers.”

Greatly enhanced versatility from a new fleet of Charlton Beavertail bodies gives H.E. Services a great start to 2017

Wednesday, 25th January 2017

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.”

Another four new Charlton SuperLites sees Ardula Group’s fleet reach 50

Wednesday, 28th September 2016

With the addition of four new Charlton steel – bodied tippers, the fleet of Maidstone – based Ardula Group has just notched up its first half century.

Starting off with a single lorry in 1993, the 23 intervening years have seen Ardula’s fleet size steadily increase in clear parallel with ongoing improvements in tipper vehicle productivity. Having now added four more Charlton SuperLites to its fleet, Ardula stands to realize a greater performance potential than ever.

“Having operated quite a few trucks over the years , it’s fair to say we’ve learnt quite a lot about tippers” says Ardula’s Group Managing Director Ricky Hemmings. “We know what works and what doesn’t, so the objective now is to continually fine – tune our vehicle specifications so as to deliver the best possible return on our investment.”

The real key to Ardula’s choice of tippers is their ability to handle each and every type of job that comes along. On the face of it, such versatility might imply a compromise, but in actual fact such limitations are so small as to be insignificant when set against the everyday reality of running a modern, multi – faceted tipper operation.

“With a tipper, it’s really the body that does all the hard work” notes Ricky. “On the one hand, we want a really good payload when moving easier, high density products such as sand and aggregates. On the other, we want real strength and durability if we are doing heavy site work. We need one truck that can operate at both ends of the envelope and on everything in between. A premium chassis fitted with a strong, top quality lightweight steel body is therefore the only realistic solution. We had our first three SuperLites last year and have been delighted with them – hence these latest four.”

Mounted on Scania chassis and powered by 450hp engines, the on-road performance and economy of the new trucks is excellent. Further adding to Ardula’s operating versatility, two of the trucks have sleeper cabs should their work necessitate their drivers having to stay away from base.

Tipping each of the SuperLites is down to Hyva’s latest FCA137 separate ram and tank cylinder which combines a light 450kgs wet weight with genuine heavy duty performance. Finished off with electric sheeting and aluminium wheels, payload capacity of the new SuperLite tippers is comfortably over 19 tonnes.

One of the leading operators in the South East, Ardula Ltd is a major supplier of natural and recycled aggregates, topsoil and road salt whilst also being heavily engaged in moving waste from construction sites. The Ardula Group also owns two other transport business – the articulated fleet of PTC (South East) Ltd which specializes in bulk transport operations, as well as Mantransco Ltd, which hauls bricks and blocks throughout the South East.

Ardula has seen steady growth over recent years, adapting to and taking full advantage of changing economic circumstances, especially in its steadily widening business area that now extends from Kent, South London and Surrey down to Sussex and Hampshire. Further key developments are now in the offing, with Ricky Hemmings aiming to secure a management buy-out from Ardula’s founder in the very near future.

“The quality and versatility of our vehicle fleet is a key factor underpinning our confidence in the future” says Ricky Hemmings. “With rigid tippers, artic tippers and drawbar block carriers in our fleet Ardula can offer a truly bespoke level of service to almost anyone in the construction and waste industries.

As a fact, we believe the future offers Ardula a tremendous opportunity.”

Speaking for Charlton, Sales Manager Andrew Gunn notes:

“Once again, our all – steel SuperLite bodies demonstrate their complete suitability to today’s multi-purpose tipper operations with class – leading payload, performance and productivity. Ardula is a perfect example of a modern, totally professional tipper fleet where SuperLite’s strengths can be most easily recognised.”

Charlton SuperLite’s class – leading payload potential maximizes G.Webb’s productivity and versatility

Friday, 15th July 2016

Cambridgeshire tipper operator G. Webb has just put into service two new Charlton bodied eight wheelers that deliver a class – leading payload of over 19.6 tonnes. Why is this so special? Simply because whilst this figure is routinely achieved by tippers with aluminium bodies, the surprise is that Webb’s vehicles have their bodies made in steel.

Ready for work with a full tank of fuel, driver and all ancillary equipment, the two trucks tare off at just under 12,400kgs.

Long renowned as the lightest all – steel tipper body on the market, Charlton’s SuperLite is regarded by Webb’s as the perfect complement to Scania’s latest P cab 410hp chassis.

“These new vehicles really represent a new type of tipper for us” says Webb’s General Manager (Haulage) Neil McMurdo. “Traditionally, most of our fleet has been built up around bulkers with alloy bodies, often employed on longer distance work. Today, changing work patterns led by the housebuilding industry are now requiring us to purchase vehicles specced primarily for earthmoving and delivering sand and aggregates.

Such work has to mean a steel tipper body, but weight is obviously of particular importance.”

Webb’s also note that the latest Scania chassis are among the lightest UK – spec eight wheelers, whilst also offering excellent fuel economy. With their exceptional payload potential, the Charlton / Scania combination therefore delivers a highly productive operating proposition.

“We’ve looked at Thompsons and Charlton bodies for many years” says company director David Webb, “but we just weren’t operating those types of tippers. Now, things have changed and we’re delighted to bring these new trucks into our fleet. We’re all impressed not just by the SuperLite’s low weight and clean, functional design but also by Charlton’s particularly high standards of product detailing, fit and finish.

For payload, performance and productivity, these new trucks look unbeatable.”

Having recorded a strong business performance over the last two years, G. Webb now runs up to 50 vehicles in its own fleet, and often with a similar number of sub-contractors too. The huge growth in the local Cambridgeshire housing market has meant that more and more of the G. Webb fleet is now working with utility and infrastructure companies and, as a result, the two new SuperLites are ideal for those types of operations.

“We also tend to keep our vehicles longer than most companies” concludes David Webb, “so that’s an even greater stimulus to get their spec right at the outset. These two new tippers will be joined by a third in September, also fitted with a Charlton body but this time with a crane and grab as well.

In a nutshell, Charlton is really our partner in adding to the flexibility and versatility of the whole fleet.”

‘Versatility First’ for Clancy Plant Hire’s new Charlton-bodied 8×2 Volvo Beavertail

Thursday, 29th October 2015

Clancy Plant Hire has just taken delivery of a new 8×2 rigid equipped with a top – spec Charlton beavertail body, the new truck being designed from the outset to deliver the maximum possible operating versatility.

Built to provide the safe and reliable transport of all manner of plant equipment between CPH depots and their working sites, the Charlton body starts off with a heavy duty hardwood floor complete with recessed lashing rings and container twistlocks.

At the rear, dual extended length ramps provide a shallow, easy loading angle for drive-on equipment such as tracked equipment and dumpers. When carrying bigger items such as portakabins and when traveling, these ramps fold forwards to provide an extended length, fully level deckspace.

Non – motorised equipment can be placed on the truck by either by pulling these items up the rear ramps by a heavy duty, remote control Ramsey winch or else by being lifted and loaded using 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 8×2 chassis, this model being chosen for its ability to provide an air suspended lifting and steering rear axle. With a shorter effective wheelbase than a conventional 8×4, the truck’s manoeuvrability is therefore significantly enhanced – a particularly important factor when operating in congested site environments.

The 8×2 configuration also offers a worthwhile weight saving over a double drive alternative, as well as delivering improved fuel economy from a more efficient driveline. And to provide the maximum possible loading latitude, the two forward and rear steering axles are all fitted with 385/65R22.5 super single tyres. Finished off with a Rockinger drawbar coupling, the truck can effectively double its operating versatility by pulling a trailer.

Clancy’s new Charlton – bodied truck also brings issues of safety and ease of use for its driver to the forefront as well. Both the winch and crane can be operated by radio remote control, allowing the driver unrestricted ‘walk-around’ viewing of the complete loading and unloading process. If the driver needs to work from the vehicle deck, Charlton’s simple but effective ‘fall arrest’ system prevents dangerous falls to the road surface below.

Graham Jones, General Manager for Clancy Plant Hire comments;

“This new truck adds considerably to our operating versatility. It enables us to significantly improve our service levels when delivering equipment to our customers. We’ve taken particular care to get an optimum yet totally practical vehicle specification, and to this end Charlton has provided a superbly professional bodywork package.

With over 100 heavy trucks in the Clancy Group fleet, this Charlton / Volvo example is currently unique, and is already attracting considerable comment and interest.”

Super-spec Charlton crane truck has the ability to move almost anything

Monday, 21st September 2015

Charlton Bodies of Dover has just delivered one of its most comprehensively equipped multi – purpose platform bodies ever to Bristol – based DB Plant & Lifting Ltd.

Mounted on an 8×2 Scania chassis, the new truck gives DB the ability to move the widest range of plant, machinery and general equipment. Representing an investment of over £200,000, the new truck is the largest yet in DB’s all – Charlton fleet.

Key to providing the truck’s exceptional operational versatility is its massive 8 – stage FASSI F485 48 tonne / metre crane that enables both the easy movement of heavy individual items as well as the ‘long reach’ placement and recovery of a huge range of construction related equipment.

The truck’s 24ft hardwood body also features an exceptional range of Charlton’s own special features. Pressed steel outriggers and RSC side raves combine with recessed lashing rings and container twistlocks providing both heavy duty durability as well as maximum load security for any type of cargo. Of particular interest, Charlton’s two stage webbing arrest system running down each side of the body prevents any accidental falls by the crane operator when working on the vehicle’s deck.

Of next to zero weight and easily stowed away when not in use, this driver protection system provides for a significant improvement in operational Health & Safety.

Other novel Charlton design and build items also feature in this highly bespoke body.

At the rear of the deck, there’s a top – access recessed locker for carrying heavy equipment such as the lifting chains. Underneath the body, each side features a high capacity aluminium locker as well as a storage rack for the four pads for the feet of the extendable stability legs. Also to the rear nearside is a further horizontal storage rack for a ladder, whilst at the front triangular warning panels can extend outwards each side from the headboard.

The ability to work outside in adequate light is also another key requirement for this type of vehicle. As well as rear facing spotlamps mounted to the cab roof to illuminate the deck, Charlton has also fitted LED ‘puddle lighting’ to the periphery of the body in addition to a wide array of amber flashing strobe lights in all the significant positions. Given that the truck has also been configured to work in 44t gtw drawbar mode, an LED worklamp has also been fitted to ease trailer coupling.

Powered by a 410hp engine, the 5.9m wheelbase Scania chassis comes with a lifting and steering rear axle, this axle and the two front axles also being fitted with high capacity 385/65R22.5 tyres providing additional load capacity.

With an expected service life of at least 10 years, DB director Mark Davis comments;

“Our latest truck gives us the ability to offer our services across the widest possible client base, and with the highest possible degree of operational versatility. We have worked closely with Charlton to design and build a bodywork package that fully meets all our existing and anticipated requirements.

The result is an unqualified success.”

Once again, Charlton’s Quarrymaster is the rock solid tipper body choice for Bristol & Avon Group

Tuesday, 25th August 2015

Resplendent in their highly visible orange colour scheme, another batch of hi-spec tippers is joining the ever growing fleet of Bristol & Avon Group. And, once again, the company has chosen Charlton’s heavy duty Quarrymaster body above all others.

Actively engaged in waste management, recycling, land remediation / earthworks and aggregate supply, B&A’s tippers are daily called upon to tackle each and every job that comes along. Such a requirement for total operating versatility demands a truly no-compromise vehicle specification, for which Charlton’s all-steel heavy duty Quarrymaster body is simply ideal.

“I’ve long been a fan of Charlton products” says B&A’s owner Kevin Berkely, “and as we have grown so too has Charlton continued to provide exactly the type of tipper body that we need. Whilst our Quarrymasters are super – tough they are also very easy to use – the curved sides and floor makes discharge of any load particularly clean and easy. We now specify our bodies with automatic tailgates too, which really speeds up the operation.

There’s no load out there that Quarrymaster can’t handle – it’s a superbly robust, carry – anything design, purpose – built for total productivity.”

Key features of the standard 14.3cu.m Quarrymaster design include double skinned, single piece sides, a curved Hardox floor and steel front spillboard.

Additionally, B&A specified raked rear ends with air operated tailgates, electric sheeting, side access ladders and LED side marker lamps. Shot blasting and full finish painting has also been done in-house by Charlton at its factory in Dover.

Mounted on B&A’s preferred sleeper cabbed Scania chassis and fitted with front end tipping gear, the new trucks have a ready to roll unladen weight of 13,200kgs, a figure that’s totally competitive for premium class tippers.

Andrew Gunn, Charlton’s Sales Manager comments “Quarrymaster is perhaps the unsung hero of our range. Whereas the single skinned steel SuperLite offers an ideal solution for many people, operators wanting a truly heavy duty Charlton body will find everything they need in Quarrymaster. In every sense, it’s our ultimate tipper body, designed and built for the very hardest work. We’re naturally delighted that it fits in so well Bristol & Avon Group’s requirement for unlimited operating capability.”

Now operating over 35 Charlton bodied 8×4 tippers, Bristol & Avon Group has 5 new Quarrymasters joining the fleet this summer, with another 5 scheduled for early next year.