Palfinger UK deliver specialist tractor unit for TV’s Super Truckers

August 7, 2018

Specialist haulage demands high quality equipment. That is the belief of Metcalfe Farms Haulage Ltd, stars of the 2017 ‘Super Truckers’ television show, and why they came to Palfinger UK for their newest truck build.

The brief – to design and build a high-quality tractor unit and crane with outstanding lifting capacity and the option to use under Road Vehicles (Construction & Use) Regulations as well as Category 2 STGO.

With a specialist team of designers and engineers the Palfinger UK team got to work developing a build plan that would meet the high expectations of the Metcalfe Farms team and following several months of planning and building took pleasure in handing over the finished product last week.

The new tractor unit encompasses a Volvo FH 64T tractor unit with specialist subframe to accommodate a 150 tonne-rated sliding fifth wheel for large, heavy loads. A Palfinger PK78002-SH crane completes the build, with a 15.9 metre reach and the ability to lift almost 4 tonnes at full extension. To make use even easier and quicker for the operator, the new Palfinger crane comes with the built-in P-Fold assistance system, which both folds and unfolds the crane automatically and reduces set up times.

This intelligent system is activated through the PALcom P7 remote control and set in motion by moving just one lever, controlling all the crane movements until a defined working position is reached. When it’s time to pack away P-Fold takes control again, folding the crane down fully and controlling the fly jib and rope winch from any working position.

In addition, Palfinger UK are pleased to have built this tractor unit weighing in at under 23 tonnes, making it suitable for certification under the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations and able to travel at up to 56mph according to the regulatory speed limits. For Traffic Planner Bruce Raw this multi-functioning truck gives rise to a more efficient and cost-effective way of working:

“We typically transport heavy loads such as containers, plant machinery and military equipment, including tanks, trucks and helicopters. This new vehicle with its sub-23 tonne weight will enable us to move multiple pieces of equipment in one run, helping with our efficiency and speeding up our delivery process.”

Metcalfe Farms Haulage Ltd are one of the fastest growing heavy haulage companies in Europe, offering tailored heavy haulage solutions and a complete logistics and project management package. With a fleet of almost 100 modern vehicles, the team are renowned for transporting heavy, abnormal and out of gauge loads across the UK and Europe.

On working with Palfinger UK for this build, Bruce added, “I would definitely recommend working with Palfinger UK for any truck build requirements. The team were brilliant to deal with and really down to earth. Everyone understood where we were coming from and the end product is great. We already had another Palfinger crane on our fleet and are working with the team on another new build to follow shortly.”

Scott Dunn, Palfinger UK Area Manager for the North of England, worked with Metcalfe Farms on this sale and is delighted with the outcome for his customer. “This was an interesting and demanding build for us, but we have pulled it off and produced a great truck for Bruce and his team. I am enjoying working with Metcalfe Farms Haulage again on our new upcoming project and wish them every success with their new Palfinger UK truck.”

 

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