New Transit Tipper makes work easier
The new Ford One Stop Shop Transit Tipper is the latest version of the UK's best-selling tipper. It has been the benchmark for the industry since its launch 12 years ago, evolving through user feedback and legislative requirements and setting new standards in design and safety while backed up by a comprehensive after-sales service.
Fleet operators have told Ford that productivity, safety, and cost of ownership are the areas constantly reviewed for efficiency improvements. Every aspect of this new Transit Tipper has been geared to improve these operational needs.
Mark Simpson, marketing director, Ford of Britain, said: "The success of the Ford One Stop Shop programme can be attributed to our customers. We listened to their operational concerns and needs and created a programme to cater for thousands of different types of businesses. Transit's dependability and robustness enable us to create commercial vehicles that provide effective business solutions."
There are 35 changes to the Tipper providing benefits in productivity, improved safety and cost of ownership:
Productivity: Improved payload, lower loading height, intuitive tipper control gear.
Safety: Body lock down, TÜV approval.
Cost of Ownership: Reduced regular maintenance requirements, repositioned end outline marker lamps incorporating LED lamps, simplified systems and reduced parts count.
Recognising that Fleet and Rental operators are under increasing pressure from their duty of care responsibilities, the Transit Tipper still remains the only Tipper in the industry to be approved by the TÜV Rheinland Group; a global leader in independent testing and assessment services. This gives Fleet managers the confidence that their purchase decision has been independently verified for safety and production conformity.
Productivity-related updates
Improved payload
The body weight for the single and double cab models has been reduced by 51Kg & 40Kg respectively, increasing the payload pro?-ata. The weight saving has been achieved by reviewing every aspect of the bodywork, re-designing for weight efficiency without impacting upon performance, strength and durability. Careful selection of individual components that make up the hydraulic system enabled a more complex system to weigh less than the previous system. Other operator benefits such as maintenance free bearings have also shown a weight saving. However, critical material gauges such as the load bed at 2.5mm, have remained in order to retain durability. Therefore the overall feature content of the bodywork has increased, while the weight has been reduced.
Lowered deck height
The loading height has been reduced by a useful 40mm by lowering the subframe by 30mm and the deck under-structure by 10mm. The loading height is now sub-one metre (995mm) at the rear axle to assist manual handling of loads. The deck retains its 2.5mm steel floor and its high strength roll formed edge to the rear.
Control gear
The control gear has been redesigned to provide a simplified, more intuitive joystick operation. The tipper controls are now all in one position to the offside and adjacent to the driver's seat. This gives full access to the controls either when seated or from outside with the door open.
Safety-related changes
Sequential hydraulic body lock-down
For additional safety and stability a sequenced hydraulic cam holds the body in the stowed position. The device helps stabilise the body under adverse loading conditions such as an improperly loaded payload or when subjected to load inputs by mechanical handling equipment. Controlled by the hydraulic line pressures, the device is fully automatic and requires no control or intervention by the operator.
TÜV approval
The Tipper is TÜV approved to demonstrate independent verification of the certification (Conformité Europeene) by the TÜV. All Tipper manufacturers are required to display the logo, but as it can be by self-certification, there is no way for the customer to obtain independent evidence that it does conform. TÜV approval confirms compliance to the customer by a highly respected independent testing organisation.
Cost of ownership-related changes
Lower maintenance & parts count
Maintenance-free, self-lubricating Delrin bearings have eliminated the need to grease a number of key periodic maintenance items.
Repositioned LED end outline marker lamps
The previous tungsten filament end outline marker lamps mounted on brackets extending from the rear light bar have been replaced with LED lamps mounted on the rear crossmember of the load bed protected by the roll-form edge of the rear load floor edge.
Options
As with previous Tipper models, there is a full range of purpose designed options including everything from reversing sensors to handwash units.
