Muck And Brass

A passion for Scanias and long-term planning is the secret of success for Frank Pratt & Sons, which has just taken on two new Scania V8 XTs. T&D talks to MD Ivan Pratt

- Paul O’Callaghan

Frank Pratt & Sons is a haulage operator that likes to be the first on the road with the latest trucks and plant models. Ivan Pratt, managing director of the haulage and plant company, says: “We had the first Scania XTs in the Republic of Ireland, both with tippers and tractor units, and we have the first five-axle XT tipper about to go into service, plated at 36 tonnes.”

XT, which stands for ‘extra tough’, suits the Frank Pratt & Sons operation perfectly. The 40-truck fleet is entirely focused on tipper operations, primarily removing muck from construction sites and returning with sand or gravel. Quarries or construction sites can be challenging but it’s the muck-tipping sites where the benefits of an XT really pay off.

The differences against the highway model may seem purely cosmetic, but tougher and higher-mounted front bumpers greatly reduce on-site damage.

On spec

Currently operating seven of the XT models, Ivan is quick to point out that the real difference comes in how you spec the truck itself, rather than the actual XT package. While in the market for two new tractor units, initially it was a brace of S650s that took his fancy, a model which is rather popular in Ireland right now.

“After some consideration, and in line with current and future business needs, we opted to order two XTs instead – one R580 and one R650. We tend to spec all the fleet with manual transmissions matched to steel suspensions; this aids traction and stability, particularly during the winter months.

Stuck muck

“From an on-site perspective, if muck gets stuck with the body up you need all the traction and stability available. Furthermore, a steel suspension bounces less than air bags when the weight is off of it – and the clutch gives the driver more control when trying to dislodge it.”