Joining a 30 – strong mixed fleet of rigids and artics, the latest truck in the Walton fleet is a top – spec 6×2 MAN TGX high roof sleeper cab tractor fitted with a powerful 520hp engine and customer – specific HARSH hydraulics – the components of which were built bespoke to suit both Walton’s requirements and the MAN chassis.
Key to the truck’s agricultural applications is the dual functionality of the hydraulics for either raising the trailer body or powering a blower for longer, sustained discharging of the payload. In this latter instance, the hydraulic systems can often undertake continuous running at high rpm for up to an hour, thereby placing particular emphasis on smooth running, reliability and durability. Due to both their extra weight and considerable noise, Walton is now moving away from using trailers with their own donkey engines in favour of all the power to the blower coming directly from the truck’s engine via its gearbox and a PTO.
Further adding to productivity, the new MAN comes with a lightweight mid axle fitted with 19.5”wheels, with the tractor then finished off with a full set of Alcoa polished alloys. It will also be running with a new single compartment Muldoon trailer, the first in Walton’s fleet to feature plank sided construction. The benefits of these latest smooth – sided designs include reduced weight, improved aerodynamics and fuel economy whilst also being much easier to maintain, repair and keep clean.
Custom – built for its application, the HARSH package on Walton’s latest MAN has an extra – large 300 litre chassis – mounted oil tank, the higher oil volume helping to reduce temperatures when the system is in continuous running. There’s also a chequerplate catwalk and an aluminium cover for the batteries, necessarily relocated to behind the cab. Ready to roll, this state of the art MAN / Muldoon combination offers a clear 28 tonnes payload potential.
H. Walton’s new MAN shares the common features of all HARSH tractor kits, namely their simple, uncomplicated layout and premium quality hoses and connections. Drivers too find HARSH equipment inherently practical, safe and easy to use.
The whole hydraulics package for Walton’s new MAN was designed, supplied and fitted by HARSH’s southern depot in Peterborough, with final handover of the vehicle being made at Walton’s premises in Goole, East Yorkshire by HARSH Service Engineer Nick Tansley.
Founded almost 70 years ago, H.Walton Ltd is now one of the UK’s leading regional suppliers of animal feedstuffs, principally operating between the Scottish Borders and the Midlands. With long-standing experience in both commodity markets and livestock farming, the company and its vehicles offer customers a premium, cost-effective and highly reliable service.
“This new truck adds considerable capacity to our operations” says Jason Walton “and we expect a great deal from it. As a family business, we always appreciate the close interest and support we get from our suppliers when we are working together to produce an optimum result.
HARSH is particularly good in this aspect of its business.”