When someone approaches us about a timber truck build or conversion, there’s usually a fair bit to get through before we start talking about fitting equipment.
Some customers know exactly what they want. They’ve been working with their current setup for years and have a good idea of what they’d change on the next one. Others are exploring different options, perhaps moving to a lighter body, changing their crane arrangement or getting more out of a truck they already own.
Then there are customers ready to invest in a completely new setup, starting from the ground up. We’re equally happy to be involved in those early discussions, looking at the equipment, the overall investment and the options available to help make it happen. That includes keeping customers informed of any relevant grants or funding schemes available at the time, as well as exploring finance options where required. It’s important for us to understand the fundamentals, from the type of timber being carried and the loading arrangements to equipment selection and overall weight, there are a number of things to consider. What works well for one operator won’t necessarily be the right set-up for another, which is why we take the time to look at the full picture.
Either way, there’s plenty worth discussing.
It’s this side of timber transport that we’re going to explore a little more through our new ‘Behind the Build’ series.
Onboard weighing
Crane top seat
A Few Things Worth Discussing Before a Build
Once we have a clearer picture of what the customer is looking to achieve, we can start working through the practical options.
For an existing truck, that might mean reviewing the current body, crane or hydraulic setup to see what can be retained, what could be improved and whether there are opportunities to reduce unnecessary weight.
For a completely new build, there’s more freedom to look at different configurations from the outset, including body design, crane positioning, hydraulic requirements, mounting arrangements, onboard weighing system, bunk arrangements and creating a realistic timeline that aligns with the customer’s expectations.
Crane options
Alucar – More Than Just Timber Bunks
Last week, we shared a closer look at the Alucar ALU-75, one of the aluminium timber bunks within the Finnish manufacturer’s range.
But bunks are only one part of what Alucar manufactures.
Alucar’s product range extends to timber bodies, aluminium subframes, different bunk configurations and crane mounting equipment. Combine this with our own engineering and fabrication capabilities here at Oakleaf, this gives us the flexibility to bring together the right components and develop a complete timber transport setup around each customer’s requirements.
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming the Alucar team to Oakleaf HQ. Much of our conversation was about the wider product range and how we can help customers get a better understanding of what is available.
There’s a lot of development and manufacturing knowledge behind their product offering, and working closely with Alucar means we can have more detailed conversations about the different options/bespoke requests that are available for a build/upgrade.
Looking at the Complete Setup
Although Alucar is an important part of our timber transport offering, a truck build often involves equipment from several manufacturers. A customer considering a truck upgrade might also be looking at a KESLA crane, a top seat weather hood or the addition of a weighing system.
As a trusted supplier of established brands including Alucar, KESLA and Steelyard Peson, we’re able to bring the different elements of a timber transport build together under one roof. Our engineering and fabrication team can then take those requirements forward into the build itself.
From the Workshop to the Road – McMorrow Haulage
One of the projects we’ve previously featured was a timber lorry transport build completed for McMorrow Haulage. We received the brand-new Scania S560 truck from Cawley Commercials, ready for its timber transport fit-out, which was completed in a speedy turnaround time led by our engineering team bringing together:
- Alucar timber body
- Steelyard Peson weighing system
- ExTe bunks and bars
- KESLA 2212sT loader crane
The build in progress
ExTe bunks getting installed
Alucar body and ExTe bunks
Kesla crane arriving at HQ
It’s always satisfying to see a build take shape in the workshop. Even better, we recently received a photograph of the Scania out working, doing exactly what it was built to do. It’s great for the team to see the finished result beyond the workshop doors.
In the field
Cabin view
You can take a closer look at the McMorrow Haulage build here.
Every truck that comes through our workshop has its own requirements, and every customer has their own way of working. We look forward to sharing more of these projects, the work involved and the finished results through our ‘Behind the Build’ series.
If there’s a timber truck build or upgrade you’ve been thinking about, we’re always happy to have a chat about what’s possible. You can reach the team on 028 3833 0011 or email info@oakleafforestry.com.