The family-owned operator is based in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, and supplies a comprehensive range of materials to professional roofers and DIY enthusiasts throughout Staffordshire, Cheshire and beyond.

Based on a 26t DAF XF 510 chassis supplied by local dealer Imperial Commercials, the truck is equipped with a rear-mounted Atlas 135.2E crane which works with a brick and block grab.

Bevan’s dropside body, meanwhile, features a gantry platform with conveniently-stowed, retractable step ladder. Capital Roofing managing director Wayne Johnson came up with the idea for this unusual installation, which affords operatives quick and easy access to the vehicle bed without having to drop the sides. The bodybuilder then turned it into a reality.

Although only 12 months old, the radio remote-controlled crane was removed from a previous vehicle prior to installation on the new one, which also required a sub-frame. This process took significantly longer than planned. As a result, when the vehicle finally arrived at the Bevan Specialist Products’ base in Wednesbury, UK, for fitment of the body, the pressure was on to achieve a quick turnaround. The Bevan team completed the project in just four weeks.

In addition to the dropsides and bed, the front and rear bulkheads are fabricated from aluminium rather than the more conventionally used steel, while extensive use has also been made of stainless steel fixtures and fittings.

“Presentation is all-important, so we wanted to keep the vehicle looking as good as possible, for as long as possible. Steelwork can become shabby over time, while standard bolts tend to rust and could easily spoil the vehicle’s white paintwork,” said Johnson.