Thompsons loses weight
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by Bryan Jarvis • Croydon-based Thompsons has introduced a Loadmaster range of light tipper bodies for rigid trucks, based on extensive use of low-carbon, high. yield steels.
The first two, both with Edbro front end gear, have been built on Sexton Transport's MAN 32.322 8x4 and Gloucester-based Keyway's Leyland Daf 85.330 chassis.
Whereas Thompsons' standard Muckmaster design uses ribbed sides and a supported floor the Loadmaster has one-piece folded sides and a clear floor minus cross-members welded directly on to the runners. "A clear underside eliminates mudtraps which can hold 300kg or more of dust and dirt when working on heavy sites," says managing director Allan Burton.
There's also a redesigned tailgate with new top hinges plus protective frames over the lights.
The Loadmaster range has three variants, all lighter than equivalent Muckmaster designs. The basic model weighs 800kg less and is specifically for sand or aggregate work. The Standard is 650kg lighter and the Ultra sandto-concrete version is about 500kg lighter, The trio look identical; the only real difference is metal thickness.
The Loadmaster concept began two years ago but the recent inauguration of a massive 450-tonne press has enabled Thompsons to build it alongside its standard Muckmaster and Vulcan products. Burton aims to boost its present weekly output from 18 vehicles to 20.
Service back-up includes a nationwide team of nine engineers with two based in Portsmouth and a stores depot that provides nextday parts deliveries.
Last year Thompsons turnover reached £4.5 million. It is a bank stockist for Leyland Daf 7.5-tonne chassis and has just bodied a 55-Series demonstrator.