Telma-fitted Kerax trio join Smith Plant fleet
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• Three new Renault Kerax rigid tippers, all equipped with Telma retarders, have been purchased by Smith Plant of Stonehouse, Gloucesteshire. They join a 20-strong fleet of mainly Renault construction muckaway and waste handling vehicles, 16 of which also have Telmas.
The new trio, two 6x4s and an eight-legger, have Trent Industries steel tipping bodies and Ilyva front-end hydraulics. Smith Plant will take another two Kerax 6x4s early in the New Year.
According to transport manager Nick Phelps, Smith Plant formerly ran elderly Leyland Dafs, and they needed five brake relines in two years. This was largely down to working on muckawa.3.1 sites from the steep edge of the Cotswolds to some rugged parts of Britain such as Cornwall and the Peak district.
Smith's new Keraxes have the CC200 Telmas with hand and foot switching plus downhill speed control. "Retarders are the answer," says Phelps. "They cost an extra £4,250 but are a good investment considering the reduction in brake relines and downtime, although they add 278kg to the unladen weight."
If other European governments can offer weight concessions to hauliers fitting retarders, Phelps wonders why the UK can't follow suit. "After all, it's an important addition as far as safety goes and it would be nice to see our glorious leaders show some appreciation"