Somerset-based Blackmores Machinery Haulage has taken delivery of a new bespoke-built forklift trailer from Andover Trailers – its first from the Hampshire manufacturer.

The new 36-tonne tri-axle step frame curtainsider is a new addition to Blackmores Machinery Haulage’s fleet, with the company taking advantage of Andover Trailers’ custom approach to ensure it can accommodate its 16-tonne Versalift and 27-tonne Hoist heavy-duty forklifts.

Wayne Scott, Operations Manager at Blackmores Machinery Haulage, says: “We have to carry some pretty sizeable forklifts over long distances, and we knew a standard ‘off-the-shelf’ trailer wasn’t going to be suitable.

“The team at Andover were able to tailor the specification to suit our needs precisely. We’ve been thoroughly impressed with both their attention to detail and in the build quality of the trailer.”

Andover’s forklift trailers benefit from closely spaced crossmembers within the frame that provide the additional strength required for Blackmores’ specialist forklifts, while keeping the gross trailer weight as low as possible, for maximum payload capacity.

“The combination of Andover’s advanced design and the blend of steels they use make a real difference. We have a similar step frame in our fleet which doesn’t offer nearly the same strength, yet it weighs around two tonnes more!” Scott adds.

The new trailer includes a full width, full height, flip-toe knife-edged ramp, with reversing lamps, alarm and camera – alongside LED strobes and lights – to provide additional safety when in operation.

Other key design features include an all-steel hinged retractable TSE sliding roof, specifically chosen by Andover Trailers for its sheer strength and durability. It also incorporates swing-out rear pillars and sliding side pillars with two locking positions, allowing machines wider than the door frame to be loaded with ease.

The three SAF axles come with a 12-month warranty and include lifting capability at the rear. On the reinforced deck, Andover has added Expamet overlay to the beavertail for improved grip, while a six-tonne electric winch is mounted on the neck to aid loading and unloading. 30 lashing rings surround the edge of the lower deck and neck, with six extra lashing points added to the centre of the trailer, all ensuring every possible load combination can be accommodated securely.

Finished in the company’s striking red and with a fully liveried black curtain, the new trailer will be on the road up to seven days a week and in operation across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.

Blackmores Machinery Haulage was formed in 1992 and primarily moves industrial laundry equipment, CNC machine tools, injection moulding machines, woodworking equipment, and packaging machinery.