The Thompsons stand at RTX was bristling with diversity with a new hotbox, a hookloader from the newly created waste division of the company and a highly specified sideways tipper bound for a Scottish operator.
Scott Burton, joint managing director for Thompsons, said the new steel tipping hotbox (pictured) was the result of bringing the job inhouse.
This has meant the ability to innovate, including making the steel lids hydraulic so they are easier to raise up.
“We’ve tested the airflow to maximise the power usage from the propane cylinders: an operator can go through a tank in three days, so we looked to reduce usage to save on cost and improve the environment,” he explained.
“We have insulated the walls rather than rely on air for insulation. Both walls are 3mm thick with 75mm insulation between, which retains heat better and uses less gas.”
The next stage will be to build larger hotboxes for bigger gross vehicle weights.
The Thompsons Waste product division was started 18 months ago at Blackburn. It now employs 20 people and has already produced more than 60 units.
“We wanted our own hook and skip equipment and we have partnered with an Italian company. Design is very much tailored to what the customer wants,” he said.
Operating out of Newburgh, in Fife, FCH Construction Services has specified a Thompsons’ Workmaster steel two-way sideways tipping body with a rear mounted Palfinger Epsilon M135L clamshell. Underneath is the Marrel two-way tipper scissors.
It’s on an Iveco X-Way 8x4 tridem specification. “Demand for this is from the utility sector and we have done some for those who work on smart motorways where they work roadside,” he added.
