Roadload of Thetford, Norfolk, will be showing (stand 1F40) the production version of its U-tail chassis, a multi-purpose vehicle offering excellent payload, floor level loading and a demountable swap body for maximum flexibility.
U-tail comprises a ‘U’ shaped twin boom chassis on a Peugeot Boxer front wheel drive cab. Supporting the booms, the rear wheels have independent stub axles with Dunlop air suspension; there is no cross axle.
The chassis is reversed onto a demountable payload (box or flatbed) which is then lifted to road going height by hydraulic arms. The payload is lowered in the same fashion for loading or unloading at ground level. The cab can then be driven away to leave behind the box or flatbed. The chassis is offered in two models: a 3.5T chassis cab and 5.5T chassis cab.
Some of the benefits of the U-tail include: ground level loading/unloading with no tail-lift, ramp or steps; increased productivity through the pre-loading of boxes, as box can be left at customers’ premises for loading or unloading; flexibility as a single vehicle can support multiple functions.
