Colson puts steel to test

Colson Trailers returned to RTX with several new products, including the lightweight steel aggregate trailer and clamshell grab (right).

The Heanor-based company launched its Agglite 3-axle 35cu yard trailer with a steel chassis using steel bodywork instead of aluminium, but still coming close to aluminium aggregate trailers for tare weight.

Company director Alan Colson said: “Our main selling point is that aggregate trailers are usually made from aluminium and their tare weight is about 6.2 tonnes. We have done the same with steel, going from 4mm 450 Hardox to 3mm 500 Tuf Hardox, which is 30% stronger.

“Steel lasts longer than aluminium, it is cheaper and will be in a better condition after five years.”

Having run a fleet of 30 grab lorries for 20 years, Colson Group decided to design a clamshell bucket suited to faster loading to maximise the vehicles’ earning potential, and it is now going to mass