Calatherm are proud to supply heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for Thwaites’ 6-tonne and 9-tonne cabbed dumpers. The systems are designed to maintain operator comfort while supporting reliable machine performance in demanding working environments.
Thwaites Dumpers specialises in the design and manufacture of forward tip dumpers. Their machines are used across construction sites and other challenging environments throughout the UK, across Europe and around the world.
Operator comfort is particularly important in these conditions. Drivers need a cab environment that can keep them warm during colder weather and cool when temperatures rise.
To meet these requirements, Thwaites uses Calatherm HVAC systems in its premium 9-tonne cab dumper and its 6-tonne cabbed model.
Calatherm and Thwaites: partnership overview
Customer: Thwaites Dumpers
Application: 6-tonne and 9-tonne cabbed dumpers
Calatherm solution: Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
Key priorities: Operator comfort, machine performance, reliability and product conformity
Partnership length: Approximately 10 to 12 years
Technical support: System simulation, HVAC sizing and environmental test chamber access
Why do site dumpers need an effective HVAC system?
From high temperatures to cold conditions, an effective cabbed dumper HVAC system must maintain a comfortable cab temperature throughout the year to ensure operator comfort.
An effective HVAC system also supports safe operation by helping maintain clear visibility from the cab. In poor weather, rain, cold air and moisture can cause the windows to mist, particularly when doors are opened and closed repeatedly as operators enter and exit the machine. Without effective airflow, heating and demisting capability, visibility can be reduced at the very point where operators need clear sightlines around people, site traffic, materials and uneven ground.
By directing conditioned air to the cab glazing, the HVAC system helps reduce condensation and clear misted windows more quickly, supporting the operator’s ability to see clearly in wet, cold or changeable conditions. This is especially important on construction sites where the cab environment can change rapidly as doors are opened for access, allowing damp air into the cabin and increasing the likelihood of misting.
Andy Sabin, General Manager Sales at Thwaites Dumpers explains:
“Our customers are operating in some of the UK’s toughest construction environments. It’s essential that we can regulate the climate inside our cabs for the comfort of our dumper owners and operators. This HVAC system from Calatherm delivers the ultimate in customer satisfaction from a design, quality and reliability perspective”.
Which Thwaites dumpers use Calatherm products?
Calatherm products are fitted to two cabbed machines within the Thwaites dumper range:
Andy describes the 9-tonne cab dumper as one of Thwaites’ premium products and highlights the importance of fitting dependable components:
“I’m proud to say that’s what features the Calatherm product range. As well as the 9-tonne dumper, we also have a 6-tonne cabbed unit, and we fit Calatherm’s reliable products to both machines.”
How does Calatherm integrate an HVAC system?
Selecting an HVAC system for off-highway machinery involves balancing several requirements. The system must provide sufficient heating and cooling without negatively affecting machine performance.
Integrating HVAC into a dumper cab is technically challenging because space is limited and every component must compete with existing machine systems, cab structure, operator visibility and service access requirements. The system must be compact enough to package effectively without compromising cab layout, while still delivering the heating, ventilation and cooling performance expected by operators.
The application also places high demands on durability. Dumpers operate in environments where vibration, shock loads, dust, mud, moisture and frequent machine movement are part of normal service. Any HVAC solution therefore needs to be robust, reliable and suitable for the realities of construction and hire-fleet operation, not simply sized for thermal performance alone.
Commercial considerations are equally important. For the OEM, the HVAC system must support product quality and customer expectations without adding unnecessary cost, complexity or production risk. For hire companies, reliability, uptime and operator satisfaction are critical because machines need to perform consistently across different sites, operators and weather conditions.
Andy explains:
“Calatherm’s engineers provide us with a simulated set of results, allowing a suitable HVAC system to be sized before any physical part is manufactured.”
This allows factors such as heating demand, cooling performance and the operating environment to be considered earlier in the development process.
By taking a simulation-led approach, Calatherm can help manufacturers make informed decisions before progressing to prototypes or production components.
Testing cab HVAC performance in controlled conditions
Thwaites has also used Calatherm’s environmental test chambers during the development and conformity testing of its cab dumpers.
The chambers can recreate controlled environmental conditions, allowing the performance of the cab and HVAC system to be assessed without relying on outdoor weather.
According to Andy:
“We’ve had full access to the Calatherm test chambers, which was used to help create the environment required to test the conformity of our cabbed dumper, using the HVAC system supplied by Calatherm.”
Controlled environmental testing gives manufacturers an opportunity to evaluate heating and cooling performance under repeatable conditions. It can also support the wider validation process by providing measurable results before a machine enters regular service.
Why supplier reliability matters
Technical performance is only one part of the relationship between a manufacturer and its suppliers.
Thwaites also looks for partners that share its approach to quality, service and professional working practices.
Andy says:
“What we look for in our supply chain are people who share Thwaites values and approach to work. Calatherm recognise and deliver quality, they are collaborative in our relationship and offer an excellent service. When we do need to discuss any matters, they are easy to contact and responsive, which is exactly what we’re looking for when we choose our partners.”
Over approximately 10 to 12 years, Calatherm has supported Thwaites through technical calculations, testing and the supply of reliable products for its cabbed dumper range.
Why Thwaites recommends Calatherm
Andy concludes:
“One of the reasons that we would recommend Calatherm is their professional, holistic approach to business. This is something that they excel at, it’s something that we look for in all our partners. I’m pleased to say over the last 10 years or so, it’s exactly what we’ve received from Calatherm.”
The partnership demonstrates how specialist thermal management expertise can support both machine development and operator comfort.
By combining system simulation, environmental testing and reliable HVAC components, Calatherm helps Thwaites create cabbed dumpers suited to demanding working environments.
Speak to Calatherm about your vehicle HVAC requirements
Calatherm works with manufacturers to develop thermal management and HVAC solutions for off-highway vehicles, construction machinery and other specialist applications.
From initial system calculations and component selection to environmental testing and production supply, Calatherm can support your project throughout its development.
Contact the Calatherm team to discuss your heating, cooling or vehicle HVAC requirements.
Testimonials
Thwaites
Andy Sabin
General Sales Manager
Calatherm are proud to supply heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for Thwaites’ 6-tonne and 9-tonne cabbed dumpers. The systems are designed to maintain operator comfort while supporting reliable machine performance in demanding working environments.
