Mac’s Truck Rental PPC Group partnership expands with new high-spec crane trucks
The Mac's Truck Rental PPC Group partnership has been strengthened following the delivery of two new high-spec 32-tonne rigid trucks on long-term hire. The latest additions, a Volvo FH 500 Globetrotter and a Scania P500, represent the sixth and seventh vehicles supplied by Mac's Truck Rental since 2020. Both trucks have been built to support PPC Group's specialist lifting and haulage operations, with bespoke bodywork and identical Fassi F660RA.2.26 cranes fitted to each unit. The ongoing relationship between the two businesses is less about adding trucks and more about refining them.
Spec evolution driven by collaboration
The Mac's Truck Rental PPC Group partnership has developed through a series of incremental changes to vehicle specification.
Dan Broda, Operations Director at PPC Group, said: "What sets Mac's Truck Rental apart is its responsiveness and willingness to support us at every stage. Whenever I pick up the phone, I know I'll reach someone who understands our operation inside out." He added: "Over the years, this partnership has allowed us to make small changes to the specs which translate into genuine improvements for our drivers, and efficiency savings for our business." That slow, iterative approach shows in the detail.
The Volvo FH 500 features a cheesewedge body built in-house by Mac's Truck Sales, designed for plant and HVAC transport. The truck is equipped with a remote-control Fassi F660RA.2.26 crane, supported by a front stabiliser leg design developed by Mac's. This setup delivers a lifting capacity of up to 3,100kg at 16 metres across a full 360-degree range.
Additional features include hydraulic bifold ramps to reduce loading angles, improve visibility, and cut aerodynamic drag. The truck also includes an 18,000lb electric winch, hydraulic landing legs, low bed height, and 24 lashing rings for load flexibility. The Scania P500 flatbed build mirrors much of that capability, using the same crane model with equivalent lifting performance.
Its hardwood deck is fitted with seven heavy-duty lashing points per side to secure varied loads.
Operational efficiency and safety focus
Both trucks feature rear lift and steer axles, improving manoeuvrability and reducing fuel consumption when running unladen. Rear air suspension, alloy wheels, and air horns are also specified. Safety and durability have been addressed through stainless steel toolboxes, chain wells, and a fall restraint system to support safe loading.
Galvanised components, including side raves and headboards, have been used to extend service life. The Volvo has also been fitted with Kelsa light bars, LED strobes, and a roof beacon bar. Both vehicles include perimeter lighting and work lights, alongside a FORS Gold-spec four-way camera system.
It is the kind of specification that reflects real-world use rather than brochure ambitions.
Long-term hire model supports growth
The Mac's Truck Rental PPC Group deal is based on long-term hire, bundling servicing, inspections, maintenance, roadside assistance, and road fund licensing into a fixed monthly cost. This removes residual value risk and simplifies fleet management, allowing PPC Group to focus on operations. Following delivery, Mac's provided full crane handover training to ensure drivers can make full use of the equipment.
The trucks are expected to operate up to seven days a week, completing at least two jobs per day during the working week. Annual mileage is forecast at up to 100,000km. They join a 21-vehicle fleet, five of which were purchased outright from Mac's Truck Sales.
Supporting specialist operations
Founded in 2017, PPC Group's transport division provides specialist lifting and haulage services across the UK from its Hampshire base.
The Mac's Truck Rental PPC Group partnership continues to evolve alongside those demands, with vehicle design shaped by day-to-day operational feedback.
Which, surprisingly, turns out to be a better approach than guessing what operators might need.
Mac's Truck Rental - macstruckrental.co.uk
PPC Group - ppcgroup.co.uk
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