STILL Materials Handling Ltd, the specialist forklift truck manufacturer, has added four new MAN TGX 26.480 6x2 tractor units to its fleet - all on three-year MAN rental contracts. The new units are accompanied by four new bespoke tri-axle trailers from Andover Trailers, featuring Trailer System Engineering (TSE) sliding roofs.

The company has good experience with MAN after an MAN TGA ex-demonstrator unit was acquired five years ago. Following excellent performance, STILL's decision to take on a new 440bhp TGX 6x2 was quickly followed by the acquisition of another TGX on a full three-year rental contract. Two further units followed to finally convert STILL into an all-MAN fleet.

These latest 480bhp units, all with XLX cabs were acquired directly through MAN Truck & Bus in Swindon, with much negotiation taking place with MAN in Munich. However, STILL relies on MAN in the UK for its on-going Customer Support offering.

"Thanks to our MHE relationship with the MAN factory in Germany, we were able to arrange an excellent rental package," said Logistics Manager, Steve Howell. "However, the acquisition means nothing without the excellent aftersales support that we receive from our local dealer, MAN Truck & Bus Exeter. In fact," he continued, "the very high standard of MAN support has been a main contributor towards our continued use of MAN trucks."

"I must say, the MAN and Andover Trailer combination looks first class, and the whole team and drivers are over the moon with their new equipment. From a branding perspective, the units and trailers reflect our own professional image out on the road.

Bespoke-built tri-axle trailers from Andover Trailers feature TSE sliding-roofs, selected for strength and durability which allow them to withstand buffeting when travelling with the roof open. The roof affords STILL maximum flexibility for loading high-mast trucks, whilst keeping much of the trailer dry for other equipment. The trailer also features swing-out rear pillars to ensure drivers aren't restricted by door frame width when loading larger machines.

Andover has constructed the trailer with a low profile neck, SAF air-suspension with raise/lower control, drum brake axles, full width hydraulic power-toe ramps and 14 pairs of lashing points to secure machines in transit. An electric winch is built into the bulkhead to aid with loading and unloading, whilst the lower deck, neck slope and ramps feature a heavy-duty Expamet coating to provide maximum traction for machines.