The Predator body is the most advanced tipping body in the UK market place, setting new levels of productivity, safety and value. Predator was designed in 2005, from a blank sheet of paper, intended for installation on 26 and 32 tonne trucks . We examined the requirements of modern operator and produced a body to suite. The primary design criteria were high strength, reduced weight with subsequent increase in payload, improved health and safety, and good value.
Having completed the design we purchased specific equipment to manufacture it. We invested in two of the largest and most advanced machines in the UK body building industry. All principal body components are cut using our high definition plasma equipment. With a bed size of 8m x 2.5m, no component is too large. The machine is computer controlled, and loaded directly from our "Solid Works" 3D drawing package. Component parts are designed to interconnect, removing the need for jigs and measuring on one hand and ensuring a high degree of accuracy on the other. Profiled components are then pressed in our eight metre, six hundred tonne hydraulic press. Once again the press is CNC controlled, and offers high levels of accuracy.
In order to achieve our initial objectives of high durability and low Tare weight, we had to design using the highest content of Brinnell 400/450 steel in the UK market place, all body panels are Brinnell 450, including the body top rails. A major weight saving is thus achieved by dispensing with the need for double skinning.
Other principal features include a raked profiled rear, a parallel body ensuring unencumbered payload exit. A "Vee" profile to all of the panel tops to ensure material does not dislodge while the truck is travelling. Tailgate hinges are double pivot links enabling the tailgate to adjust over bulky or uneven loads without blocking or damage. Predator has a full length "waste rail" to protect the chassis components from falling debris. All Predator panels are grit blasted and primed at the steel mill in Sweden prior to shipment to us. The result of this is much improved paint longevity.
Predator offers as standard full three points of contact safe access (patent applied for) This is a huge advance for the tipping industry, offering responsible operators an alternative to drivers climbing tyres or using shallow steps.
The body capacity can be set between ten and twenty cubic metres, the basic appearance remaining the same.
Predator has numerous options available, including insulation in order to carry coated stone, split tailgate with automatic locking and lower half actuation. Automatic locking is available on the conventional tailgate system. Sheeting is primarily "Donovan" front to rear however transverse and sliding systems can be installed. Predator was designed primarily as a front end ram tipper, with Hyva and Edbro gears offered, however under floor gears can be accommodated, with Edbro and Harsh being our preferred partners. Onboard weighing is available from PM, Hyva and VWS. Other options include beacon bars and lighting, hand wash facilities etc.