Five-axle Keedwell heavy
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• Bridgend heavy haulier GC Keedwell's 120-tonne rated Scania 144 10x4 tractive unit had its first public viewing at the Peterborough Truckfest earlier this month.
Originally a P-cabbed artic, Keedwell fitted a high cab and 15-speed Fuller gearbox (a common choice with Aussie Scania owners) some time ago.
To uprate it for 120 tonnes GCW, specialist Miles Nunn of Whitchurch, Hampshire strengthened and stretched the frame then added a BPW lifting self-tracker behind the front axle. It also fitted a lifting Hendrickson axle at the rear of the unit. The front axle has an 8.0-tonne limit and the other four 16.5 tonnes each.
The net result is a shorter than usual (9.0m) heavy hauler with a 6.1m outer axle spread, capable of raising two axles for much easier 6x4 manoeuvring.
Coupled to Keedwell's converted Tasker low-loader with its five self-tracking axles, the 26m outfit can carry 110-tonne Caterpillar 992 loading shovels with ease.
Local fabrication specialist Transweld made the 900mm trailer neck extension and added 2.2m lead-on ramps.