HIABs with drive-on beavertails
Drive-on beavertails / plant lorries c/w lorry-loading cranes
These are the mainstays of the fleet. Features include lorry-loading cranes (HIAB) and ramped transporter bodies with winches, which mean they load and carry a huge range of cargo.
Available as rigid-trucks in 6×2 (3 axle), 8×2 and 8×4 (4 axle) configurations, with crane capacities of up to 47 tonne/metre and payloads of up to 13.5 tonnes, day-to-day loads of construction plant, diggers, dumpers, forklifts, telehandlers, pumps and rollers are routinely transported.
Fitted with very capable HIABs, the majority of shipping containers, portable office (portacabins), accommodation units and storage containers can be delivered and spotted.
Those that have ‘cheese-wedge’ ramps can be transformed into flat platform bodies so that long and overhanging loads , such as structural steel or long timber sections, are also be safely carried without issue.

Our beavertails in action
Read how the Southdown Truck & Crane team delivered the goods on a prestige job on site near the Palace of Westminster, using our specialist equipment and expertise to help deliver this important infrastructure project.
Beavertail vehicle specifications
| VOLVO 6×2 Rigid/Beavertail | Body & Crane |
|---|---|
| Bhp: 440 | Crane: Palfinger PK19000 |
| LEZ/FORS: Yes | Drawbar: Combination Pin & Eye |
| Sleepercab: Yes | Max radius: 12.10 metres |
| Twist locks: Yes | Lift & load: 4,250 kgs |
| Travel height: 3.85 m | SWL@ 7.95 m:………… 5,540kgs |
| O/R Spread: 6.10 m (2 x) | Rad @ 2.5 t: 6.0 m |
| Payload: 12,000kgs | Plant ramps & flat?: Yes |
SCANIA 114 vehicle specifications
| SCANIA 114 | Body & Crane |
|---|---|
| Bhp: 360 | Crane: PM 36 025 |
| LEZ/FORS: Yes | Drawbar: Combination Pin & Eye |
| Sleepercab: No | Max radius: 15.80 metres |
| Twist locks: Yes | Lift & load: 7,250 kgs |
| Travel height: 3.70 m | SWL@ 7.95 m:………… 3,300kgs |
| O/R Spread: 6.50 m (4 x) | Rad @ 2.5 t: 10.0 m |
| Payload: 13,000kgs | Plant ramps & flat?: Yes |
24/7 availability
Our commitment to providing comprehensive and flexible solutions is further reflected in our ability to deliver equipment and services at any time of day or night. This 24/7 availability underscores our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our clients, regardless of the project’s scale or complexity.



