Forestry haulier branches out with first Renault T tag axles

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Transport Engineer  /  April 12, 2018

Dumfriesshire-based forestry haulier WD & A Haley has taken delivery of two Range T520 tag axle tractors, its first vehicles of this type.

Supplied by dealer Border Trucks Carlisle, the operator’s new additions have a 13-litre engine providing a maximum torque of 2550Nm, Optidriver automated gearbox, Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheels and hydraulic power steering.

They are hooked to logging industry skeleton trailers with timber bolsters, transporting 29 tonnes of logs at a time.

The Range Ts are also equipped with a Bigfoot Tyre Deflation system, which allows drivers to control the air pressure in each tyre from the driving seat, giving extra traction and reducing damage to forestry roads.

The operator has run Renault Landers, Premiums and Kerax in the past, but decided on the new additions after hearing “great reports” about the Range T, according to owner Antony Haley.

Haley says: “Forestry work is tough, the landscape is awash with steep embankments and we needed something with plenty of grip and power. The T520s give us this by the ‘bucket-load’, coping skilfully with all types of terrain.

“The tag axle is good for tight corners, too, and importantly gives us the traction on the hills and on difficult land.”

He described the deal a “very competitive” and says he’s looking to add more to the seven-strong fleet.

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