GPO Vehicles

Vehicle description
This vehicle is based on the Bedford TK1500 chassis cab. The cab, which prides accommodation for the driver and two passengers, is equipped with supplementary heating.

The pole erection equipment is powered by a hydraulic pump driven by the vehicle engine via a full torque power take off (PTO). The boom will rotate through 4201 and will elevate to 801 above the horizontal and 150 below the horizontal. The boom extension will extend the boom length by 2.13 metres to 7.01 metres.

The 305mm diameter auger is stowed in a bracket alongside the main boom. When lowered to the working position, the auger is suspended at the end of the boom extension and will move out when the boom is extended, giving a digging radius of between 3.86 metres and 5.99 metres from the centre of the tower. The auger can be extended to dig holes up to 3.35 metres deep or adapted to drive screw type stay anchors.

A winch is mounted at the tip of the boom extension and carries 15.2 metres of steel wire rope for raising and lowering poles or other objects within the safe working load of the unit. Pole claws are fitted to stabilise the pole while it is being raised or lowered. Two stabilising jacks are fitted, one each side at the rear.

The hydraulic controls for operating the equipment are situated on a panel at the rear nearside. An electrical supply for operating power tools is provided by a 110 volt 2.5kva generator, which is hydraulically driven by a separate gearbox mounted PTO.

A retractable cable reel is situated at the rear of the vehicle, equipped with approximately 15.2 metres of cable and a 32 amp socket outlet. A similar socket is mounted inside the nearside tool locker.

The vehicle is fitted with double lockers on either side for carrying tools and stores. Pole bolsters with removable extensions are provided for carrying up to nine poles weighing not more than 1500kg in total. The vehicle is equipped with a 6 cylinder 8.2 litre turbo-charged diesel engine, 5 speed gearbox and a 27 gallon fuel tank.

Utilisation
Used for the transport, erection and recovery of poles and the installation of screw type stay down anchors. All necessary tools and stores are carried on the vehicle.

License type: HGV 3
Delivery time: 6 months
Economic service life: 8 years

Taken from the BT Motor Transport Guide March 1984

Last revised: November 05, 2024