Hotbox gets an overhaul

Thompsons introduced an all-new hotbox as the latest model in the company’s range of tipper bodies. Dubbed Tarmaster, it will suit both 4x2 and 6x2/4 truck chassis built to deliver road repair and resurfacing applications.

It has one-piece side panels that are angled inwards at the floor to assist discharge of the hot asphalt, and inside the body is split into two fulllength compartments in 60/40 proportion, enabling two different tarmac specifications to be carried.

An easy-flow floor surface finish helps to ensure minimal residue is left in the body when tipping. For shovel work, two tar chutes are provided in the rear body panel for the larger compartment, and one for the smaller.

On top of the body, a pair of full-length in-line roof panels keep the payload protected against heat loss.

Opening and closing of the panels, actuated by hydraulic cylinders, can be done either from a dashboard rocker switch or by switches located on a nearside exterior control panel.

Heat for the hotbox is provided by two 23kg LPG gas bottles mounted in a storage box on the outside of the body’s vertical front panel. Setting the payload temperature is done via an electronic control box mounted on a rear gantry behind the truck cab.