Conway loads up with four new heavy-duty step-frame trailers

FM Conway has just added four new bespoke-built step-frame trailers to its fleet to transport a full range of plant including heavy rollers, pavers and excavators.

The new builds from Andover Trailers feature a similar specification to FM Conway’s previous 73-tonne, 15.1m four-axle Andover builds, of which four are still in service.

However, for this order the haulier requested two of the new step-frames be 1.2m shorter, allowing for easier access to urban sites and more inaccessible infrastructure projects.

The four new step-frames have all been constructed with a durable four-member design featuring slide-out side extensions to ensure load stability. The 1m wide power toe ramps, with sliding width adjustment and knife edge toes, help with the loading and unloading of FM Conway’s 40-tonne road planers.

The trailer design also includes hydraulic steady legs at the rear, with steel underplating on the outer bays of the main deck, the beavertail and ramps. The deck also features 20 pairs of D-ring and eight screw-in lashing points to guarantee load security, as well as in-built chain storage and a powerful six-tonne electric winch.

The trailers include a full working at height system with removable walkway, alongside a suite of LED strobe lights, work lights and additional flashing beacons.

The SAF axles – fitted with 285/70R19.5 tyres – feature disc brakes and rear-steer capability that can be operated from either the tractor unit or on the trailer itself.

“Eventually these trailers will replace some of the older Andover builds in our fleet. However, they are still performing so well they’re staying on the road for now,” said Steve James, senior transport manager, FM Conway.

On the road day and night, Monday to Friday, the step-frames will deliver plant to highway and infrastructure projects across southern England, clocking up around 180,000km per year. They join the company’s 800-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet.

Based in Sevenoaks, Kent, FM Conway has been supplying services to help keep the UK’s infrastructure and public spaces operating effectively and efficiently for more than 60 years.