Osborne Motor Bodies, the leading distributor of Supertrucks glass-carrying equipment in the Southeast, is here to boost your van's functionality and efficiency. We offer the complete Supertrucks range of glass-carrying equipment, compatible with most major van manufacturers, to ensure you have the perfect solution for your glass-carrying needs.
Supertrucks is the UK's undisputed leader in manufacturing top-tier glass-carrying equipment. Their panel van racks are renowned for their lightweight design, maximising payload capacity without compromising on quality and finish.
The flexibility of Supertrucks equipment caters to a wide range of requirements. Whether you operate a 3.5-tonne or a 32-tonne GVW vehicle, our team of vehicle engineers can build custom vehicle bodies and install glass-carrying equipment to suit your needs perfectly.
Choose from sloping sides to accommodate external racks or vertical sides for maximised internal space. Roof designs include concertina opening mechanisms for effortless loading and unloading or fixed options for a more streamlined look.
Why Does Glass Need Special Handling?
Broken glass panes are a double whammy—not only do they cost a pretty penny to replace, but the resulting delays can also hit a business's bottom line hard. And let's not forget the potential for injuries if you attempt to move these heavy sheets without the proper precautions.
However, with the right approach, you can ensure your fragile glass panes arrive at their destination on time and in one piece. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know to minimise risks and maximise efficiency.
1: Storage is Key
The way you store your sheet glass panels plays a crucial role in preventing breakage. Here is the golden rule: glass sheets need to be stored at a slight lean, ideally between 3 and 5 degrees. Too much of a tilt can cause bowing, while too little makes them unstable and prone to tipping.
Specialised storage racks are your best bet. Look for ones designed with this specific angle range, often featuring a 5-degree lean. This allows for safe access by mechanical grabs positioned at a slightly lower angle (around 3 degrees). Additionally, these racks should have mesh barriers surrounding the glass panes for extra security.
2: Warehouse Maneuvers - Trolleys with a Twist
Moving glass within your warehouse requires careful handling. Standard methods involve overhead cranes, lift trucks, or even trolleys. However, be cautious of trolleys with two central wheels and one at each end.
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) warns against their use due to their inherent instability compared to four or six-wheeled designs on either end. If you must use these types of trolleys, ensure proper training and always stack glass panes evenly for maximum stability.
3: Packing for Success: A Soft Touch and a Firm Stand
Once it is time to transport your glass, take steps to prevent scratches and breakage. Use foam packing sheets to provide a gentle cushion for your precious cargo. Smaller panes can benefit from the added protection of a cardboard "sandwich."
Here is a crucial point: transport your glass panes upright whenever possible. This minimises stress on the sheets. However, this might limit your vehicle options. Regardless of the chosen method, ensure the panes are securely braced to prevent them from toppling over during transport.
While we recommend transporting glass upright whenever possible, for vehicles specifically designed to carry glass sheets, the best angle for transport is actually a slight lean. Here is the breakdown:
- Upright is ideal but not always practical: Transporting glass upright minimises stress on the sheets, making it the preferred method if your vehicle allows it.
Glass-carrying vehicles typically utilise racks with a built-in lean, usually around 3-5 degrees. This angle offers several advantages:
- Stability: The lean helps prevent the glass from tipping over during transport, especially during turns or sudden stops.
- Mechanical Grab Compatibility: Storage racks with a 5-degree lean allow for easier access by mechanical grabs used in warehouses, which typically approach the glass at a slightly lower angle (around 3 degrees).
So, the best angle for transporting sheet glass on a dedicated glass-carrying vehicle is a slight lean between 3 and 5 degrees. This ensures stability and compatibility with warehouse equipment.
Following these simple yet effective techniques can significantly reduce the risk of damaged glass panes and costly delays. Remember, a little planning and the right tools go a long way in ensuring your glass arrives safely, and your business stays on track.
Secure Your Glass Payload with Confidence
We understand the importance of securing your valuable glass payload during transport. Supertrucks offers a variety of integrated securing systems to meet your specific requirements. Choose from their patented scissor clamps or opt for the sliding rubber wedge system – both designed to keep your glass safe and secure during transportation, especially when travelling on uneven road surfaces.
Additionally, all Supertrucks glass-carrying equipment-equipped vehicles come equipped with inclinator systems for a smooth and efficient loading and unloading experience.
Optimising Efficiency at Osborne Motor Bodies
At Osborne Motor Bodies, we go beyond simply offering Supertrucks equipment. Our expert commercial vehicle engineers and technicians can plan your installation to utilise the available space and install external frails, roof racks with ladders, and a combination of internal glass carrying racks – one full length for maximum capacity and a shorter one to ensure convenient side door access.
At Osborne Motor Bodies, we prioritise vehicle safety and legal compliance. All the glass-carrying vehicles we build adhere to the latest Type Approval regulations, giving you complete peace of mind. This not only ensures your vehicle meets legal requirements to ensure it is roadworthy and safe to operate but also offers the potential advantage of significantly reduced lead times.
Upgrade Your Glass Carrying Operations Today
Contact Osborne Motor Bodies today to discuss your specific glass-carrying needs. Our team of commercial vehicle optimisation specialists will be happy to recommend the perfect Supertrucks equipment combination to optimise your business van's efficiency and safety.
Let us help you streamline your glass-carrying operations and ensure your valuable glass payload arrives safely at its destination every time.
