Andover plant body for KSS

Essex, UK-based plant hire company KSS Hire, has taken delivery of a new 26-tonne plant body from Andover Trailers.

The new custom-built plant body is mounted to a DAF CF 6 x 2 rear steer chassis

Joining a six-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet, the new custom-built plant body is mounted to a DAF CF 6 x 2 rear steer chassis and replaces an older 16-tonner.

The new design was selected to increase load capacity in line with the company’s growth.

Steve Nicholls, KSS Hire managing director, said the choice was based on “Andover’s reputation for building the strongest plant bodies on the market.” 

The specification of the new DAF closely matches the company’s first order, though scaled down to suit a three-axle rigid. The new body has a low-profile deck where the cross members transect the body runners instead of sitting on top of them, thereby reducing the deck height.

The design aims to maximise capacity while still making sure it can access narrow country lanes and restricted urban sites. Its rear wheel steering also helps with this.

The new Andover Trailers plant body for KSS with beavertail and fall protection

At the rear end of the beavertail is a pair of 2.5 metre long, hydraulic power toe, knife-edged ramps. These give a shallower loading angle to broaden the range of plant that can be carried, which includes diggers, dumpers and track trenchers.

An electric winch is fitted to aid loading and unloading and there are eight pairs of lashing points on the deck for load security. A full working at height system and LED lighting package are also included to help maximise safety.

The new truck will primarily be used to deliver plant to customers in and around Essex from the company’s Wickford base.