Biffa launches heavy machinery moving service
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• The Biffa Group, Loudwater, High Wycombe, is now operating a service for the transport and storage of heavy-duty plant and machinery, capable of handling unit loads up to 35 tons. The service caters for direct one-off or random jobs, on an hourly or daily rate, in addition to negotiated contracts with manufacturers or distributors to take over the handling and movements of their products. It also includes the complete relocation of factory machinery.
A large covered storage area is currently available at the Group's new High Wycombe premises, to hold plant before it is carried to its final destination.
Companies making use of the service on a regular basis can, it is claimed, achieve worthwhile savings in transport, handling and storage costs. They do not have to employ a fleet of vehicles which may be utilized at a low rate, or devote valuable space at their works to storage which could otherwise be used for production. Similar savings also apply to the random user.
As part of the new service, Biffa has extended its fleet of over 100 vehicles, with the introduction of specially designed 18-ton semi-low-loader units. These trailers are Aft wide, with an uninterrupted level deck length of 29ft. For easy loading they are equipped with detachable loading ramps at the rear. Mobile plant can simply be driven on to the trailer. Heavy machinery is winched on, using skids, jacks or skates-' where necessary. A maximum of two men are required for the loading operation, and there is no need to hire outside craneage. Operators are specially trained in the handling of this type of load, and vehicles carry all the equipment. necessary for the job. The risks of damage in transit are therefore reduced, and speed of handling achieved.
In addition to the new heavy-duty carriers, Biffa operates a fleet of smaller capacity crane loading vehicles equipped with Hiab truck mounted cranes. The crane, mounted behind the driving cab, with a reach that covers the platform area, has a capacity of 3 tons. These vehicles are self-loading, requiring only one man as an operator /driver, again showing savings in time and labour. Standard machinery carrying vehicles are also available.