Builders’ Merchant Vehicles, Upgraded: Lighter Crane Dropsides That Boost Payload and Safety

Merchants and civils contractors ask the same thing in different words: Can you move more, faster, with fewer headaches? The answer is in the body spec—particularly when you’re juggling brick/blocks, timber, and site restrictions.

The modern merchant specification

A purpose-built dropside with in-house crane fitment gives you controlled lifting, fast turnarounds and tidy site hand-offs. Our teams install a wide range of OEM cranes (with weight and safety certification) and integrate the body, headboard and sub-frame so you’re not compromising payload or stability. 

Payload without fragility

Paired with leading refrigeration systems, our bodies are specified for tight control in the range –25°C to +25°C, with options for integrated temperature monitoring, data logging for compliance, standby, rapid-defrost logic and twin-evaporator layouts for multi-zone work. The result: stable cargo temperatures and fewer rejected loads. 

Payload and sustainability can live together

With the right materials and design, you can go lighter to win payload and keep durability. We combine new materials and manufacturing approaches to deliver weight-efficient builds that stand up to heavy daily use, backed by Purpose Bodies’ repair and maintenance support to extend life and resale value. 

Safety and compliance, built-in

Specify ENXL headboards, on-board weighing, camera systems, side scan, and audible manoeuvring alerts to protect people on site and on the street. Add toolboxes for slings and PPE, work lights for winter drops, and load restraint configured for your typical consignments. One order, one inspection, one hand-over. 

Why single-supplier integration matters

Splitting body, crane, safety tech and electrics across multiple vendors adds time, risk and finger-pointing. Because we design, engineer, manufacture and fit under one roof, you get faster turnaround, tighter quality control and a clearer warranty position—so the asset spends more time earning. 

ASK US…If your current merchant vehicles feel overweight, under-equipped or hard to live with, book a quick spec call. We’ll map payload, lift and safety around your actual drops—and build it to suit.