In keeping with the business roots, each of the vehicles is painted in the traditional Andrew Cook livery, featuring green cabs and bodies with gold lettering and a black chassis.
Zander Cook, Director, Andrew Cook Group, said of the new vehicles, said: “We’ve operated a 32 tonne TGS 8x4 within the fleet for a few years now and have found it both robust and reliable. The last vehicle was with us for five years, so when looking for a replacement, we reflected and once again turned to MAN.
“Due to our positive experience with the TGS and the excellent service and support we’ve received from MAN Truck & Bus in Fife, we’ve also added a new 18 tonne TGM which is the first MAN skiploader to join our fleet. It’s early days, but from what we’ve seen so far, the new skiploader is settling in well, it’s both popular with the drivers, who report on its relaxed drive, and is providing outstanding productivity.”
Andrew Cook Group’s new TGS 8x4 35.440, rated at 32 tonnes GVW, is powered by MAN’s latest generation 12.4 litre, Euro VI OBD-E D26 engine, producing 440 PS (316 kW), which is connected to a silky smooth 12-speed MAN TipMatic® automated gearbox, featuring advanced efficiency and specialist off-road transmission software.
To help maximise payload and simultaneously provide the driver with a bright, airy, safe, and comfortable workspace, Andrew Cooks Group’s new TGS has been specified with the compact 2,240 mm wide NN cab. This cab sits on top of 8 mm chassis rails, steel front and rear suspension, Hypoid rear axles, and meets N3G classification.
Resting on top of the robust TGS chassis is a 15 cubic metre Thompson Loadmaster Lite body. Manufactured from Hardox steel, the Loadmaster body and TGS chassis combination delivers outstanding durability and efficiency.
Zander added, “The outgoing TGS was a reliable asset to the business and, over the past five years, has transported thousands of tons of spoil and aggregates across Scotland. This new TGS ensures we continue investing in advanced machinery and like its predecessor, I’m sure will prove to be a valuable addition to the company over the coming years.”
The lighter TGM 4x2 18.290, rated at 18-tonnes GVW, is the first MAN skiploader to join the Andrew Cook Group fleet. Fitted with a Hyva Titan Skiploader, featuring an auto sheeting system, a full height cab-guard headboard, and an overload weighing system, it offers 12 ton lifting capacity (Retracted Arms), moving eight cubic yard skips.
This vehicle is powered by MAN’s Euro VI OBD-E D08 engine, producing 290 PS (213 kW), which is also linked to a silky smooth 12-speed MAN TipMatic® automated gearbox.
“Being the first MAN skiploader to join the fleet, tracking its progress and productivity will be interesting moving forward. If it’s anything like the TGS 8x4, I’m sure everything will be fine." Enthused Zander.
Established in 1898 and with over 12 decades of experience, the Andrew Cook Group family-run firm supplies services to the construction and allied trades, including waste disposal, plant and lorry hire, recycled products, specialist waste recycling and processing.
Headquartered in Leven, in the region of Fife, with a waste recycling facility at Thornton and a quarry and recycling centre at Belliston Quarry near Pittenweem, Andrew Cook Group is renowned for providing a prompt and efficient service throughout Fife and beyond. Their varied fleet includes Tippers, Low Loaders, Skip Loaders, Ejectors, and, in terms of plant hire equipment, Crushers, Screens, 360º Excavators and 4WD Loading Shovels.
To uphold the Andrew Cook Group’s commitment to environmental and sustainability policies, they recycle and divert 90% of the accepted waste from landfills using their modern recycling machinery.
The vehicles, both in their stunning livery, were painted by Elgin Truck & Van of Elgin, in county Moray, an MAN Truck & Bus franchised partner who Zander and the Cook family have a longstanding relationship with.
Hamish Stephen, New Vehicle Sales Executive, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, commented, “I would like to thank Zander and the Cook family for the continued support in MAN and the much valued relationship. I am convinced that these vehicles will serve the business well, and I look forward to hearing news of their progress.
“Both the TGS and the TGM were prepared and PDI’d at MAN Truck & Bus in Fife. The team there will service and maintain the vehicles throughout their busy working lives.”
To help showcase the Andrew Cook Groups 127 history in the early 1970s Andrew Cook purchased a 1925 Vulcan truck. This outstanding vehicle is petrol powered, has a top speed of 19.6 mph and a carrying capacity of 30 hundredweight (1.5 tonnes). Today this vehicle holds a special place in the hearts of the Andrew Cook Group and can be seen at shows and events across the local area. The Vulcan Motor and Engineering Company Limited, of Southport, England, made cars from 1902 until 1928 and commercial vehicles from 1914 until 1953.
Building on company history and the fascination of classic vehicles the Andrew Cook Group has a vehicle, of some shape or form, from every decade since the company was formed in 1898, including Steam engines, lorries, cars and tractors.
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