Fast, reliable sheeting systems  

 “Not very long ago, trailer loads would only need to be covered when the harvest was about to bounce out of the trailer or rain was going to spoil the crop,” commented Shur-Co UK business development manager, Colin Bartram.

“This is no longer the case and with trailers being pulled over regularly for uncovered loads, farmers are looking for fast and reliable ways to cover their crops quickly from the safety of the tractor.

“This has been our business for nearly 30 years.”  

Shur-Co says it is the world’s largest sheeting system company and brand, with more than 10 locations throughout the world and over 400 employees – each bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

A history  

The company started out under the brand Donovan in the UK with the first 9000 Series sheeting systems hitting the roads in the mid 90s and very quickly becoming the go-to front to rear sheeting system for construction tippers, with all of the major body builders offering Shur-Co sheeting systems as standard within a few years.   

In 2022 Shur-Co acquired market leading roll-over sheeting system manufacturer Dawbarn and Sons, Wisbech, completing the picture and adding further expertise to its group with the company’s proud 100-year history.

Dawbarn and Sons began as sailmakers and ship chandlers before diversifying to transport tarpaulins in the mid 1950s.

Today a large team make not only automatic truck tarps, but also bespoke PVC covers for hoppers, machinery and a whole host of other applications. 

Today, Shur-Co says it remains the market leader in the UK for sheeting systems with an estimated 20,000 units in service and hundreds of its systems entering the market each year.

It has over 80% of the UK tipper sheeting equipment market. 

Range of equipment 

From flip systems to waterproof PVC roll-overs and bow slide solutions, whatever style of covering system suits your application will be available from Shur-Co with over six different options for farm trailers alone. 

The Agri-Flip system is its best seller in the farm sector as it is low cost and easily retrofitted, it comes supplied with full installation instructions in either a remote controlled 12V electric option or with in-tractor hydraulic operation.  

“Shur-Co is unique in that we offer our hydraulic Agri-Flip kit with fixed flow control and cross line pressure relief valves as standard,” said Colin.

“With multiple tractors collecting these trailers it is important that we have control over the hydraulic circuit so that we can ensure the safe operation and reliability of your sheeting system for years to come.” 

For waterproof covering, the Dawbarn Hydroclear system may also be familiar to farmers – whether it be from appearing regularly on Clarkson’s Farm or from being the chosen equipment for asphalt, bulk tippers and walking floor trailers for nearly 20 years.

Shur-Co has now adapted this system to work using just two quick connectors from the tractor with its innovative purpose-built valve, making the Agri-Hydroclear the ideal solution for farmers looking to keep their crops dry or unpleasant smells contained. 

On-site installs  

Another key strength for Shur-Co is its on-site installation team.

The company has invested in its external installation capabilities with a fleet of vans ready to attend site, giving customers the peace of mind of purchasing the full one-stop-shop service from the manufacturer rather than arranging the installation themselves. 

Colin continued: “Despite our large installation facilities, agricultural trailers are not always easily moved to our workshops (in Rochester and Wisbech) so on-site installation is the perfect solution for farmers as we can come to site and fit multiple trailers if required.” 

The company has also increased its UK engineering team to ensure it can meet the challenges of the future and embrace opportunities. 

“Engineering capabilities are increasingly important to ensure that we are not only innovating, but that we are future proofing our partners with regards to regulations and compliance and supporting trailer builders in seamlessly delivering the best equipment to our mutual customers,” he added. 

Time to get covered 

Changes to the way that the DVSA have been enforcing load security legislation over recent years has made automatic sheeting systems a top priority for those wishing to avoid unwelcome roadside attention.

The Road Traffic Act means it remains important that bulk loads can’t shed or be blown onto public roads, and, although automatic systems are not a compulsory solution to this problem, work at height regulations and a need to cover every load often tip the balance to something more automated. 

Whether you are looking to cover lightweight crops on the farm or loose materials on public roads, Shur-Co says its experts are here to help.

For more information visit the Shur-Co UK website.   

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