Terex site dumpers pass muster for UK Ministry of Defence
ALC Vehicles take delivery of 28 Terex TA site dumpers
The Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) dedicated fleet provider, ALC Vehicles, have taken delivery of 28 Terex TA3 site dumpers.
Terex equipped the site dumpers with lifting eyes to allow them to be airlifted beneath Chinook helicopters for rapid deployment to conduct vital infrastructure repairs. With a 32.4kW (43.5hp) Kubota diesel engine and permanent four-wheel drive, the TA3 site dumpers can deliver payloads of up to 1.95m³ (heaped) across rough terrain, up 25% gradients and at speeds of up to 19km/h (11.8 miles/h).
Peter Barfield, key account manager of Terex’s Coventry facility, where the machines are designed, engineered and manufactured, commented: ‘It is a testament to the strength and versatility of our Terex site dumpers that we are supplying for the MOD, they are basically the same ones we sell to our civilian customers.’
Terex won the order after a two-year long tendering process in which both the MOD and ALC Vehicles examined every technical detail of the product and parts support systems.
Mark Royse, product manager, who has been the Coventry-based facilitator throughout the procurement process, said: ‘It’s a great achievement for Terex in the UK as we are proud to be supplying British-built products for the British armed forces.’
The site dumpers underwent a gruelling testing process to ensure they would be suited for use in operations associated with the armed forces. Testing the dumper’s starting ability in a cold chamber test at -25 degrees C and the ability to be transported under a Chinook helicopter were two of the tests the site dumpers were put through.
Phill Armes, equipment support and project manager with ALC Vehicles, says that user satisfaction with Terex site dumpers already in-service was another factor in the choice for the latest tender. Depending on their use, the new fleet may remain with the MOD for up to 15 years. The machines will be based at ALC sites to be sent via transport aircraft when required on operational duties overseas. As such the ability to provide long-term parts support worldwide was a key consideration in awarding the contract to Terex.
ALC Vehicles is a 15-year, £600m joint venture between Amey plc and Babcock International plc that provides the MOD with a range of construction and mechanical handling equipment for worldwide operations.
