HARSH BEGAN 20 years ago by selling stabilised underfloor tipping
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gears but has since broadened its portfolio to include loading cranes, body liners, on-board weighing and a full range of sheeting systems.
At present it offers more than 10 different covers, including: the Skip Flip, which suits all bin sizes and operates via a single hydraulic lever; the familiar manual or electric front-to-rear Flip 'N' Go; and the top-sliding Slide 'N' Cover system.
Whereas the Flip 'N' Go pivots about a centre mounting, suits muck, rubble or waste products and adds around 80kg to an eightlegger, the Slide 'N' Cover is an arched top sheet with ribs that move along side cables.
The system, which has an optional automatic rear closure to seal off the load at the tailgate, retracts to the front when loading up or tipping off, but when closed, its rounded sides and tapered ends present a wind-cheating profile.
Harsh says that in MIRA tests, the 'stepped dome' design offers better aerodynamics than conventional covers regardless of irregular loads and may cut fuel costs by up to 9.5%. British Transport Advisory Consortium trials served to underline the claim.
The Slide 'N' Cover adds 101kg to an 8x4 tipper and 141kg to a semi-trailer; the choice of control is manual, electric in-cab or remote from 45.7m away.
For hauliers carrying heated products, the automatic rear flap and specially designed tarp material keep asphalt at least 20°C hotter than a standard PVC tarp.