Hyundai Wheeled Excavators From Molson Are Now Even More Versatile

August 28, 2024

The Molson range of Hyundai wheeled excavators and Thwaites site dumpers have always offered huge versatility and value for road building and repair projects. However, thanks to a campaign led by JCB, they are now even more useful and versatile.

A new change to the law, announced on the Construction Equipment Association website, means that wheeled construction vehicles are now allowed to tow trailers on the highway as long as it is for the purposes of construction, maintenance and repair of roads.

What has changed?

The campaign has led to what is known as a ‘temporary derogation’ to the Road Vehicles (Authorisation of Special Tyres) General Order 2003. Under the old rules, construction machines such as wheeled excavators were not allowed to tow trailers on the public road, even if they had the correct hitches to do this safely.

Under the new rules, wheeled excavators and site dumpers will now be able to tow unladen trailers, or trailers containing materials or tools that are essential to road building, maintenance or repair. The change is currently only a temporary measure, but it is hoped that the new rules will become permanent in due course.

There are still a number of restrictions which apply, including:

A maximum speed limit of 20mph for vehicles towing a trailer
A maximum combined length of 8m, including trailer and vehicle
The wheeled vehicle must be road registered
The wheeled vehicle must fully comply with the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986
Trailers cannot be towed on motorways
Trailers must carry a matching numberplate to the towing vehicle

The benefits of the change

This change will deliver significant productivity benefits and cost savings to companies involved in road building and repairs. Instead of needing extra vehicles and personnel to transport materials and equipment, these items can now be transported by the wheeled excavators and site dumpers that are already heading to the site.

The reduction in vehicle numbers will also bring environmental benefits, thanks to reduced emissions, and cut congestion on roads surrounding the site.

“This change to the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) rules will be a welcome boost to many Molson clients,” says Molson Construction Sales Director, Stuart Butler. “With margins so tight on every project these days, every little helps in terms of increasing productivity and reducing costs.

“Our Hyundai wheeled excavators and Thwaites site dumpers have always represented great value for money, and now, thanks to the relaxing of the rules, they make even more financial sense.”

How to apply

To take advantage of the new regulations, operators need to apply in writing to the VCA by email at [email protected]. Submissions should include the number and type of machines that you wish to use, along with the name of the individual or company that is applying.

The Molson team will be happy to arrange for appropriate towing hitches to be fitted to all new and used equipment supplied. Our extensive team of field engineers will also be able to assist with the upgrading of existing wheeled excavators and site dumpers as required.

Further rule changes

Other new legislation recently announced for road-going plant means that all site dumpers over 4.5tonnes that are driven on the highway will need to have a fitted cab by spring 2025. These cabs must meet ROPS specifications, as well as FOPS ISO 3471 and 3449.

Molson can make sure your company is fully compliant with these new rules with a choice of cabbed site dumpers already available in our Thwaites range, including the 6T FT Cabbed Dumper, the 6T PS Cabbed Dumper and the impressive 9T FT Cabbed Dumper.

To find out more about Thwaites cabbed site dumpers, or how you can take advantage of the new on-road towing regulations for wheeled excavators, contact the Molson Equipment sales team today.