New partnership delivers heightened safety and reliability to glass merchant

A vehicle rental firm is the latest to make the switch to HIAB as it looks to deliver long-term value and improved safety to its customers. Driveline GB Ltd, based in St Austell, Cornwall, has recently leased a Volvo FM420Chassis fitted with a HIAB X-HIDUO 228E-2 crane to its customer Mackenzie Glass, an independent merchant in Bristol. The crane has HIAB’s revolutionary and new SPACE Evo control system and XS Drive radio remote control. The truck and van rental provider was founded by Directors Mark Kerby and Richard Jacobs in 1994, and the latter explained that the switch to HIAB from a former provider was based on a commitment to long-term reliability.

He said: “We knew these vehicles were going out on a long-term loan and we wanted to ensure both the vehicle and equipment would be built to last, which is why we opted for this Volvo-HIAB combination as we knew they are both designed for lasting versatility.” Enhanced safety also played a part in the decision, according to Richard, who added: “The reason we went with the Hiab crane was down to their automatic foldingsystem – SAF. It’s monitored and controlled via SPACE Evo and the XS Drive remote which is great as it reduces the risk of damage to the crane and enhances the operation.” The truck body was built by TWR Commercial Bodyworks and was delivered to Mackenzie Glass earlier this month.

Another benefit for Driveline and its new-found relationship with HIAB is the support of the HIAB Authorised Service Centre (ASC) network. One of those ASCs is Micklegate Fluid Power Ltd, which provides product support for the end customer. Richard continued: “It was great knowing we have an official service centre nearby to help ensure the crane continues to perform for Mackenzie Glass.

Micklegate was also able to provide familiarisation training for the drivers which made the switch to Hiab for Mackenzie Glass even easier. It was a great addition to the overall service.” The HIAB X-HIDUO 228 offers users extended reach and improved safety features, and Mark Herbert, Managing Director at Mackenzie Glass, is already seeing the benefits: “So far, we’re really pleased with the kit. The training which was offered to our drivers by Micklegate was a huge help in making the switch over to HIAB.

The training was really engaging, and they clearly explained all of the key points of the crane which were different to those we’ve used before. We’re really pleased to have this Hiab as part of our fleet!” Lewis McCormack, Business Development Manager at Micklegate commented: ‘We are delighted to work alongside Hiab providing support to Driveline and Mackenzie Glass as an Official HIAB Authorised Service Centre.

Our longstanding relationship with Hiab is something we are extremely proud of; this plays a key role in the service we can provide to the customer throughout the equipment’s lifespan. It is always a pleasure to work with a company with which our values align so well, the customer experience is always at the forefront of what we do here at Micklegate Fluid Power.’ John Abbott, Sales Executive at Hiab, said: “It’s been great to help Driveline and Mackenzie Glass on their transition to HIAB and we’re delighted to have them as part of our customer network. The SPACE Evo control system allows us to tailor the HIAB‘s functionality to meet and exceed the expectations of the customer and enhance the experience of the product.

This results in the operator being productive, efficient and most importantly safe in their deliveries.

It’s great to hear they’re seeing the instant benefits of this innovation.”