Demountable Truckmixer Makes its UK Debut at Hillhead 2007

• 
• 13th July 2007
• Materials Handling
 

Liebherr has successfully completed a joint venture project with Dautel in Germany, Wilcox Commercial Vehicles in Peterborough and DAF dealers Norscot Truck and Van Limited to produce the UK's first Liebherr demountable truckmixer on a DAF chassiscab. The 8m³ Liebherr HTM 804P hydraulic mixer drum interchanges with a Wilcox tipper body using a Dautel Swap Body System to produce a truly versatile dual-purpose vehicle. Ennstone Johnston Limited - the multi-disciplined group specialising in ready-mixed concrete, aggregates, asphalt and surfacing materials - will take delivery of four of these units after the Hillhead show, where this innovative vehicle was displayed for the very first time in the UK. Ennstone Johnston Limited will initially base the demountable vehicles at their Corby (Northamptonshire) and Breedon-on-the-Hill (Derbyshire) facilities.

The Liebherr HTM 804P Mixer Drum Assembly
The Liebherr HTM mixer assembly features a drum constructed from special steel with wear protection on the mixer spiral blades. The geometric drum volume is 14.29m³ and the capacity in set concrete is 8m³. Water volume is 9.10m³. Drive is via PTO from the DAF carrier vehicle and the mixer drum is equipped with Sauer hydraulics and gearbox with TME controls. The host vehicle is a DAF FAD CF 85.360 8 X 4 mixer chassis supplied by Norscot Truck and Van Limited.

An important factor in extending the working life of the mixer drum, its proven Dautel demountable system and the DAF chassiscab is the Liebherr developed high-quality steel frame and U-clamp fixing method. Drum support pedestals are secured to the special 180mm X 80mm X 8mm frame with cross beams by stirrup bolts that accommodate flexing. These are fitted close to the frame to avoid stress transference and to distribute loads uniformly. The design, coupled with the fixing arrangement, enables the mixer sub-frame to be rigidly attached at regular intervals over the entire length of the frame. This forms a composite strength while still allowing the body to flex as necessary to avoid stress damage and/or misalignment occurring within the mixer superstructure. This, in effect, produces such a rigid and stress-free fit that problems of cracking or distortion on either the mixer frame, demountable frame or truck chassis are avoided. The result is a considerably extended operating life for both the superstructure installation and the host vehicle.

The Dautel Swap Body System
Dautel of Leingarten, Germany has developed an hydraulically operated quick interchangeable system that allows fast and safe exchange of one body with another for commercial and construction vehicles. The Dautel system provides a means by which lifting, lowering and connecting of vehicle superstructures can be effected, thereby allowing operators to make multiple and different uses of a single carrier vehicle. A significant advantage of the Dautel system is that a deep frame between chassis and body is not required, resulting in a low centre of gravity and a corresponding operational stability.

As with most clever ideas, the Dautel system is simplicity itself. The superstructure is fastened by means of hooked locking elements located on the chassis frame sides which, in turn, engage with their counterparts fitted to the superstructure frame. A shift unit moves the superstructure backwards during the interchange process which simultaneously disengages all locking shoes. Four hydraulic cylinders then lift the interchangaeble superstructure. Four support outriggers are then positioned into each of the housings on the superstructure and the lift rams are then lowered. The carrier vehicle can then move to the next body for this to be installed.

Mounting the next superstructure is almost a reverse process and a longitudinal "stop" aids in the process of attaining a precise loingitudinal position before the process starts. The replacement body is is raised by the four lift rams so that the supports can be removed; the superstructure is then lowered and a tracking circuit shifts the body in the travel direction via displacement cylinders which simultaneously engages all the hooks and locking elements. At the end of this "sliding"" procedure, the body is automatically fixed into its travel position by a sliding joint system which is electronically monitored, with incorrect positioning displayed in the vehicle's cab by a warning lamp and acoustic signal.

The Wilcox Tipping Body
The Wilcox Wilcolite Smooth Insulated Tipping Body is designed for aggregate and asphalt transportation with a volume of 19m³. Constructed from pressed aluminium alloy, it has fixed sides, full length "V" section long runners, special "C" section top and box section bottom rails. Integral insulation with 2mm aluminium panels provides air-gap insulation to the side and headboard and the tailgate insulation is integral to the tailgate design, which is of top hinge configuration. The Wilcox rear tipping hinge assembly incorporates a steel box section crossmember and provides high torsional stability.

The front safety catwalk fitted to the headboard has integral guardrails and an access ladder. Steps are fitted inside the body to correspond with the catwalk. LED side marker lamps are mounted inside the box section bottom rail; a bodyguard warning system is installed with an in-cab warning lamp.

Liebherr-Great Britain Ltd
Normandy Lane
Stratton Business Park
Biggleswade
Bedfordshire
SG18 8QB
UK

T: 01767 602100
F: 01767 602110