Mansfield-based Howarth Timber & Building Supplies has become the first user of a sideloader specifically developed to meet the needs of timber merchants.
The company has hired the four tonne Shuttle FT4 – the first in a new generation from Yorkshire manufacturer, SSP Sideloaders – from Nottingham-based Servatruc.
The sideloader, which uses mainly tried and tested components, is manufactured to a design created by SSP managing director Paul Hull.
He said: “We believe this piece of equipment will fill a large niche in the UK timber trade. It’s deliberately engineered to give it the extra strength needed in the cut and thrust of the real world. And, with easy access to all the major components and a comprehensive on-board monitoring system, maintenance time is reduced to a minimum. Spares are also readily available from standard UK-stocked parts.”
The sideloader has a turning radius of 4.1m, a lift height of 4m and a 32 kilowatt at 3,000rpm diesel engine.
Chris Rollinson, Servatruc’s managing director, said his company scours the market for appropriate products. He added: “In this case, the clear favourite had yet to be built, being as it was a design concept under construction. Now that it exists and is proving its worth, I am pleased at the the part we’ve played in the creation of this new generation of robust, environmentally sound and economical machines.”
Production of the new shuttle is to begin immediately.
