JPE Aggregates turns to Edbro cylinders for improved tipping performance
When specifying 30 new Volvo FMX rigid tipping vehicles, JPE Aggregates was keen to ensure that it maximised their performance. Having researched the options available on the market, it was decided that each vehicle should be specified with CX14 tipping gear from Edbro to deliver the fastest and lightest tipping possible.
JPE Aggregates is a midlands based aggregate supplier specialising in the delivery of clay, recycled aggregates and soils. Because JPE supplies from its own strategically located sources, the company has developed a reputation as leaders in delivering earth and aggregate solutions across the Midlands and the UK. As part of the company’s development programme, the decision was made in 2015 to replace the Volvo FM fleet with 30 new Volvo FMX vehicles – with delivery dates in December, February and August.
Having chosen the Volvo FMX chassis, JPE worked with two body builders, Wilcox and Boweld, to build and deliver the vehicles. During specification, JPE’s Transport Manager, Stephanie Price, researched tipping gear options to find a reliable, fast solution which would also offer weight benefits to offset the weight gains imposed by the latest Euro 6 engine designs.
Stephanie comments: “Like most companies in our industry, weight reduction is a primary concern when specifying our vehicles. Every kilogramme that we can safely remove from the vehicle’s weight equals increased payload. We’ve used Edbro cylinders before so I knew that the CX14 is one of the lightest tipping gear available for rigid tippers; I spoke to Jannine Burt, Regional Fleet & Sales Manager at JOST for more information.
“The service she provided was fantastic. She has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry and she was always quick to respond to any questions that I had for her. It was easy to make the decision to specify the CX14’s on all of the vehicles and both Boweld and Wilcox agreed that it was a good choice.”
The CX14 design combines the ram and tank into a single unit to reduce overall weight for rigid tipping vehicles. It was originally launched in 2010, with an update in 2013, and has consistently been recognised as the lightest, like-for-like cylinder for 8x4 tippers for loads of up to 32 tonnes. The cylinders offer a weight saving of 86kg over the market leader (the CX15)
As part of JOST Group, Edbro takes a great deal of pride in its product development, making sure that it is seen as an industry leader. Further optimisation to the kit accessories, such as mountings and brackets, means that operators can rest easy knowing that their tipping gear won’t be carrying any extra pounds.
Stephanie continues: “We also considered the CX15 for the increased load capacity, but Jannine explained that the CX14 is designed with a safety factor in excess of over 50% on buckling and is more than capable of tipping any road going haul. Having taken delivery of the first twenty vehicles we’re now getting feedback from our drivers that the tipping speeds are noticeably faster than our older vehicles.
“I know that the Edbro motto is Lighter, Faster, Stronger. In my opinion they’ve delivered on their promise.”