It’s not often that an otherwise humble hook loader can be argued as being a thing of beauty. Still, Lavelle Waste Services of Farnworth, Bolton, has just commissioned a full-spec HARSH-bodied example that’s a real eye-popper!
“We work in a challenging industry where vehicles can get a hard life, so we want ours to set the standard,” says company director Sam Lavelle, ”not just in their specification, but also in their cleanliness, presentation and performance. This is a central mindset for our business, and this latest HARSH unit takes that one stage further.”
Founded by Craig and Emma Lavelle, father and daughter, eight years ago, Lavelle Waste Services has quickly established a strong reputation for delivering practical, efficient waste-handling solutions. It employs a highly versatile fleet of sophisticated and innovative commercial vehicles.
While Lavelle still operates other makes of hook loader bodywork in its 20-plus mixed fleet, the HARSH units impress. “We got our first one through the Tru7 Group in Ipswich, and it’s been an outstanding vehicle”, adds Sam, “totally reliable, easy to maintain and simple to operate – with all types and sizes of containers. It’s the clear favourite with our drivers!”
Mounted on a Scania 420 P cab 8×4 XT chassis, the new HARSH HH26 hook loader is built to the industry-leading CHEM TS17 standard, enabling it to handle all types and sizes of containers up to 5790mm internal length. With a total 26-ton lift capacity, HH26 also delivers a powerful, fast-action loading/unloading cycle and high load security, stability, and safety levels when driving on the open road.
Working across Greater Manchester and Lancashire from their sites in Bolton and Chorley, Lavelle Waste Services offers a full range of 24/7 waste disposal solutions, whether for solids or liquids, operated as routine, established contracts or ad hoc emergency collections. Aside from hook loaders, the company’s always pristine vehicle fleet includes 44t tractors working with walking floor and curtainsider trailers, 32t front-end loaders, 26t twin compartment domestic RCVs, specialist food and glass carriers, and 18t skip loaders.
“Aside from the product, one thing that we like about HARSH is that while, like us, they aren’t the biggest in their field, they are nonetheless highly motivated and keen to get all the details just right”, says Sam. “Having got the initial vehicle through Tru7, we visited HARSH’s HQ outside York to learn more. Also, like us, they offer a highly personal service that ensures the customer gets exactly the product it wants, which for our new hook loader included fitting six underbody loadcells, a width adjustable sheeting system, a toolbox and extensive powder coating to various components before finish painting.”
Speaking for HARSH, Managing Director Adam Hargreaves comments, “We are naturally delighted to have produced this first new-build hook loader for the team at Lavelle. We always take particular interest in any individual customer requirement, and our main workshop outside York is fully able to offer all the responsiveness and flexibility needed to achieve the desired result. We wish Lavelle’s every success with their new vehicle.”
Finished off with weight-saving Alcoa Dura-Bright polished alloy wheels and an immaculate paint job in the company’s striking green and white livery, Lavelle’s brand new ’74’ – registered hook loader is already brightening up the roads of Lancashire!
