Telstar shows its grit
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• The latest generation Telstar gritter/snowploughs from Accrington-based Transport Engineering are entering service in the Highland Region and with the Department of Transport's Engligh motorway winter service fleet.
Based on SWB Foden 4000Series 6 x 4 and 6x6 military chassis, the frames are ceramic and chlorinated rubber treated to deter corrosion, and have stainless steel componentry.
The first of 20 6x 4s ordered by the Dip at a cost of £21 million has spreader bodywork made of Cromweld stainless steel and 'marine' protected electrical circuits.
Sensors at the rear provide an accurately controlled spread of salt for widened motorways, allowing the use of simplified in-cab controls. To reduce weight and maintenance costs, new DTpdesigned plastic snowplough blades are fitted, along with a quick-fit mounting frame for one-man use. The three h x 6 Telstars for the Highlands are built on non-C&IJ 4.05m wh eel bases for extra manoeuvrability, and use Cuthbertson's vee-bladed high-lift plough.