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EXECUTIVE REPORT


Machinery movers


Nick Johnson gives a hands-on assessment of the latest higher-capacity Plant & Go small plant transporters made by KFS Special Vehicles.


Such was the appeal of the new small plant and equipment transporter exhibited by KFS Special Vehicles at this year’s Executive Hire Show that the unit was unexpectedly sold off the stand to DEH Equipment Hire from Stoke-on-Trent. Other sales, including vehicles to Artisan Hire Centre of Swindon and Nottingham-based Express Tool Hire, followed directly as a result of the vehicle’s show appearance. Now the appeal of the 3.5 tonne GVW Plant & Go small plant transporters has been enhanced further. The maximum available payload has increased and the range itself is broader to increase operational versatility.


KFS Special Vehicles was founded by MD Ian Knight and Production Director Mark Adams in 2002. The business became established by making 3.5 tonne GVW car transporters / recovery vehicles using a clever combination of a Citroën Relay front end and a special low-bed body designed in conjunction with AL-KO Kober. As the operation sought to diversify into other market segments, the first Plant & Go small plant transporter was created in 2008, with the concept vehicle being produced in conjunction with Midlands-based Plantool Ltd. The hirer was seeking a lightweight transporter with a low bed and shallow loading angle to carry small scissor lifts.


Impressive payload capacity


The first Plant & Go had a maximum payload of 1600kg (dependant on body specification), which was impressive for a 3.5 tonne GVW vehicle. However, after some further development, the latest units can carry even more - up to 1680kg. And, when seeking to move a variety of small machinery around without upsetting the Police or the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), that extra 80kg can make all the difference.


Due to their 3.5 tonne GVW, these lightweight plant transporters should also appeal to hire companies with employees who do not have the appropriate classification on their driving licences for towing or driving a 7.5 tonne vehicle. KFS also highlights the introduction of the need for tachographs when towing as another reason why an increasing number of hire companies are deciding to move away from having to tow trailers.


Whilst the innovative Plant & Go low-line chassis can be supplied with the fronts of other 3.5 tonne GVW vehicles, such as the Fiat Ducato or Peugeot Boxer, the choice of the Citroën Relay offers both practical and financial advantages. KFS Sales Director, Steve Elwell says, “We have built up a good relationship with Citroën and are part of its Ready to Run special-bodied vehicle programme. We hold stock of the Relay front ends, which enables us to offer faster delivery, and our customers also benefit from various pricing and warranty advantages.”


As a Ready to Run partner, KFS matches Citroën’s warranty of two years and unlimited mileage, or three years and 100,000 miles - whichever comes first. Complete with this common cover, the Citroën Relay 35 based Plant & Go transporters can utilise a front wheel drive cab unit powered by an 88.0kW (120hp) 2.2HDi or an 115.5kW (160hp) 3.0HDi diesel engine. These are both lightweight assemblies, which contribute to the very high payload to GVW ratio. The most significant weight saving part of the combination is the special KFS-specification drop frame, galvanised steel rear chassis that also has an ultra-low main deck height of just 530mm.


Enhanced choice


The enhanced choice of rear end specifications includes a flat deck (1580mm between the rear wheel arches) with a choice of 3, 4 and 4.6m deck lengths; a beaver tail (1580mm between arches) with a 3.2 or 3.7m flat deck or a wide track deck (1820mm between arches), in flat deck or beaver tail configurations.


With maximum payload increased to 1680kg, the 3.5 tonne GVW transporter can carry a micro excavator and a power barrow.


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Good examples of different Plant & Go vehicles specifically tailored to suit hire and grounds care applications were recently displayed at the KFS headquarters in Andover, where they were available for inspection and a test drive. The vehicle most appropriate for hire companies was a demonstrator model loaded with an 835kg Takeuchi TB108 micro excavator and an 110kg Muck-truck power barrow. This 1680kg payload unit has a 3m long flat deck and measures 1580mm between its wheel arches.


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