PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

• A stock chassis may need to be modified from it’s original OE build specification to an alternative longer or shorter wheelbase length, standard to the manufacturer.
• Astra’s approach to this requirement is to ensure that the original manufacturer’s specifications are maintained within the alterations completed.
• Taking this approach may include changing overhang length and prop shafts, but ensures that the final build specification matches body builder design information from the OE, avoiding possible body builder or service issues.

PROJECT EXAMPLE – WHEELBASE EXTENSION:

• Extend the wheelbase of a DAF FA LF45.160 from 3150mm standard chassis length to 4300mm (also a DAF standard).
• Extend the rear overhang from 1650mm to 2320mm, to match the longer DAF build specification.
• Match the prop shaft configuration of the longer build specification, changing from single shaft to a DAF Monotron two prop system.

Similar modifications available for all makes.

Astra will also be pleased to quote for design & supply of specialist non standard length wheelbase alterations.

Astra Special Vehicle Engineering will be pleased to provide technical support and parts sales for all products listed.

Options include:

• Mid lift axles
• Tag axles – single or twin wheel
• Steerable
• Heavy haulage axles
• Standard to narrow track
• Wheel sizes 17.5″, 9.5″ & 22.5″
• Heavy duty air suspensions
• Rubber suspensions

Astra Special Vehicle Engineering will be pleased to provide technical support and parts sales for all products listed.

Air assist systems

Air assist systems provide extra support for standard leaf or coil springs, providing a smoother ride, more effective braking and vehicle handling – even under heavy loading and adverse road conditions.

Applications include:

Project Objectives:

This type of conversion modifies a standard rigid chassis cab to produce a small articulated tractor unit. Mini artics are particlarly suited to urban, municipal or specialist transporter applications. The combination of a small chassis with an articulated trailer, allows excellent manoeuvrability in confined locations. Additional features can be added to allow multiple body types to be used with a single chassis.

Key feature & options:

• Self levelling air suspension, raise & lower facilities
• Standard susie connections for air & electric with options for ‘A’ frame mounting or susie boom
• Trailer braking fitted as standard
• Optional cab types: day cab, crew cab, crew cab with sleeper compartment
• Side skirts with option for body colour coding
• Catwalk infill options
• Step & grab handle options
• Working light options
• Run up ramp options

Astra Special Vehicle Engineering will be pleased to provide technical support and parts sales for all products listed.

To release space on the offside of the chassis, to allow installation of additional fuel carrying capacity on a long haul tractor unit.

PROJECT OBJECTIVE:

1. Air tanks relocated from offside to a central chassis location.
2. Battery box relocated from offside to a central chassis location.
3. New custom designed catwalk.
4. Additional 560 litre fuel tank added to offside c/w balance line.
5. Standard exhaust system removed from offside and replaced with a nearside located Astra stainless steel vertical system.

Astra Special Vehicle Engineering will be pleased to provide technical support and parts sales for all products listed.

Astra offers a full one stop shop approach for vehicles requiring conversion to achieve ADR or Pet Reg. compliance:

• All levels of ADR (Ex/II, Ex/III, AT, FL, OX)
• For PET reg vehicles Astra can offer a SLP (safe load pass) & certification

Options can include:

• Ex approved Radio/CD’s & tacho’s
• Cab kits – First aid, warning triangles, wheel chocks, hi vis. vests, etc
• Clear nearside (for body/pump installation)

New designs completed at Astra works for:

• Fire screens, Astra “pet reg” exhausts, battery covers, etc.

Astra Special Vehicle Engineering will be pleased to provide technical support and parts sales for all products listed.

Upgraded Cab Tilt Mechanisms

PROJECT OBJECTIVE:

• Upgrade the hydraulic cab tilt mechanism of a commercial vehicle
• Often required when the standard cab is modified and in particular when modification increases cab weight
• Examples include: armoured cabs and sleeper crew cab conversions

SPECIFICATION OUTLINE:

• Design, supply & install upgraded cab tilt mechanism for a DAF FA LF55, to prepare for an armoured cab conversion
• Install twin hydraulic rams with manual tilt pump (electric option available). Chassis mounted pump located for easy access.
• Install high visibility cab support stay assembly, to allow safe working when cab is raised
• Pressure test and commission hydraulic system, fit user instruction labels

Astra Special Vehicle Engineering will be pleased to provide technical support and parts sales for all products listed.

Heavy Haul Conversion – front and rear tow systems

CASE STUDY :

Vehicle Make : DAF
Model : FTT XF105.510
Configuration : 6 x 4
Engine : 510BHP,
Euro 5 Customisation Pt No : AC1302

Project To design & install front and rear mounted heavy haul towing facilities on a DAF FTT XF105.510 incorporating:

• VRGDB260D heavy duty cross member and
• Standard 10 bolt fixings used front & rear to allow flexibility with coupling requirements
• Front & rear 2 line air and electrical connections
• Heavy duty 5th wheel (Jost)
• Custom designed heavy gauge striker plate protection.

Astra Special Vehicle Engineering will be pleased to provide technical support and parts sales for all products listed.

Front Axle Parking Brake Conversion

Chassis Types:

• DAF LF Series, 4 x 2 day cab, Euro 6
• Conversion is applicable or adaptable to all makes

• Applicable to vehicles fitted with:
– rear mounted cranes, – skip loaders,
– hook loaders

Project

This conversion is intended for any vehicle equipped with full air brakes and fitted with accessories which relieve weight from the rear axle, thus reducing or removing the efficacy of the standard rear parking brake.

The modification adds an automatic electro-pneumatic system, that senses the combination of parking brake and PTO operation. On engagement of the parking brake and initiation of the PTO, electrical signals initiate the application of ancillary air braking to the front brake chambers.

Modification features

• Dashboard mounted indicator to advise operator when activated
• Automatic operation when the combination of vehicle parking brake and PTO are engaged
• Fully integrated with OE braking system components
• OEM standard pneumatic components
• OEM standard electrical components

Astra is a leading UK supplier to the commercial vehicle sector, providing custom stainless steel exhaust systems and specialist vehicle engineering services.

Astra is qualified bodybuilder partner to Mercedes-Benz Trucks in the UK.

Astra Special Vehicle Engineering will be pleased to provide technical support and parts sales for all products listed.