Marthall Tree Products branches out with New MAN Trucks
Established in 1990, the family-run business prides itself on providing traditional values and a solid reputation for supplying customers with the highest-quality timber products. Knutsford-based Marthall Tree Products has just taken delivery of two new specialist delivery vehicles. The new vehicles, in the form of 26-tonne MAN TGS 26.330 6×2 rigids, are fitted with tailor-made bespoke 7.5-metre flatbed, alloy drop side bodies.
Sandwiched directly behind the 2.240 mm wide TGS NN extended-day cabs and the body’s headboard, are Fassi F195A 1.22 xe-dynamic, 360-degree rotating 8.1-metre reach, 6.4 tonne cranes. Both vehicles, their cabs and bodies, are finished in Daytona Grey livery with the cab featuring a tree in full leaf. Powered by the lightweight MAN D15 9.0 litre, 330 hp (243 kW), six-cylinder, low-maintenance Euro 6e engines, Marthall Tree Products’ new vehicles offer outstanding performance and benchmark efficiency.
The D15 engine offers operators a robust, efficient, economical and lightweight power plant capable of meeting the demanding needs of today’s modern transport sector. Established in 1990, the family-run business still prides itself on providing traditional values and a solid reputation for supplying customers with the highest-quality timber products. Today, and still true to its founding business roots, Marthall Tree Products is renowned for servicing its customer base of local authorities, utility companies, National Trust, fencing contractors and landscape gardeners, with a range of timber-based products that will stand the test of time.
Of the New Vehicles, Tom Turner, Operations Manager at Marthall Tree Products, said, “As a family business it’s vital that we invest in machinery that we know we can both rely on and trust. The last new vehicle we purchased was in 2020 and although it’s not a MAN it has served us well. These two new MAN TGS 26-tonners, in their newly designed livery, look the part and in the short time we’ve had them have already impressed the drivers and been noticed by our customers.
“When we started to look at new vehicles, we decided to study the market to see what was available and importantly, what was suitable for our operation. After a few calls it was apparent that MAN not only knew their product strengths, but they offered balanced information and clearly understood our business needs. Their regional truck sales executive, James Dutton, was very willing to help with advice and technical information through the entire order to body build and vehicle delivery process.
A partnering approach that caught our attention and was very much valued.” Tom added, “These TGS are the first MAN trucks we’ve operated but we feel we have a trusted partner in MAN, they offer an attentive service and deliver on promises, which is exactly what we offer our customers.” Specified with the TGS NN cabs Marthall’s new vehicles offer the drivers a comfortable, spacious and safe working environment, with space behind the seats for work clothes, PPE equipment and personal belongings.
Being 1,880 mm long the cabs also free up valuable chassis space for longer bodies and PTO-driven equipment, in this case, cranes. This ensures the vehicles return a strong TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). To ensure correct axle loading both vehicles have been specified with upgraded nine-tonne front axles and to enhance maneuverability and reduce unwanted tyre scrub, both vehicles feature lift and steer rear axles.
Established in 1990 by company founder Dave Godsmark, Marthall Tree Products has grown from a one-man-band, operating from a caravan next to Marthall Nursery, to a purpose-built office and shop complex sitting on a 2.65-acre site, still situated next to the nurseries. Today Marthall Tree Products supplies everything from wooden sawn posts and rails, gate posts, fence panels, sleepers, planed timber, featheredge boards, decking, shiplap and trellis, to concrete posts, wooden and steel field gates, weldmesh, netting, fixings, preservatives, artificial grass and bagged aggregates. They also hold PPE, work boots, jackets, coats and work trousers, gloves, Hi-Viz and build bespoke items, such as wooden gates, to suit individual customer requirements.
To assure their timber products offer customers both best value for money and at the same time longevity, all Marthall’s sawn softwood products are treated to class UC4. UC4 is a treatment that involves drying wood in a kiln to a moisture content of 28% or below, and then pressure-treating it with anti-rot preservatives. This process allows the preservatives to penetrate deep into the surface of the wood and provides a robust layer of protection against external elements, such as fungal decay and insect damage.
To guarantee the drivers have a comfortable workplace each of the new vehicles comes with air-conditioning, multifunction steering wheels, MAN SmartSelect infotainment control, 12.3-inch colour displays and satellite navigation. Both vehicles come equipped with a full complement of advanced MAN Trucks technology, including Electronic Braking System (EBS) Lane Departure Warning (LDW) Lane Change Support (LCS) Drivers Airbag, Active Brake Assist (ABS), Anti-Slip Control (ACS) ESP, EBA and ESS. To improve visibility and security the vehicles have been fitted with a comprehensive 360-degree camera and monitoring system.
The new vehicles are subject to a two-year R&M package and were prepared and PDI’d by MAN Truck & Bus Manchester. Throughout their working lives they will be serviced by MAN Manchester, Trafford Park, M17 1SA. All MAN vehicles are supported by MAN Truck & Bus UK’s Nationwide Commercial Vehicle Dealer network, with many operating extended hours, including round-the-clock servicing and customer-tailored solution maintenance.
The entire MAN range benefits from MAN’s Mobile24 24-hour assistance service, which guarantees customers a professional roadside partner throughout Europe 365 days of the year.