Sandy from Flat Out Flat Broke Takes on the HTF Lorry Loader Challenge

Convoy in the Park might be famous for thundering race trucks and full-throttle action, but Sandy from Flat Out Flat Broke discovered that some of the toughest challenges of the weekend happened away from the circuit.

Swapping horsepower for hydraulic power, Sandy joined MV Commercial and HTF Skills Academy to try the Lorry Loader Challenge in front of the Donington Park crowd.

Five Targets, One Crane and Plenty of Pressure

The challenge looked simple enough. Using the crane’s remote controls, Sandy had to guide a suspended test weight around a course of five numbered targets, lowering it accurately onto each one.

However, as Sandy quickly discovered, operating a lorry loader is all about patience, precision and control.

Every movement of the remote creates a response from the crane, while the suspended weight continues to swing. Moving too quickly can make the load harder to control, but taking too long can put additional pressure on the operator. Add a watching crowd and plenty of commentary from the sidelines, and it becomes a serious test of concentration.

Following a briefing from the HTF Skills Academy team, Sandy took control and began working his way around the course.

There were careful adjustments, a few tense moments and plenty of laughs along the way. Sandy gradually found his rhythm as he moved the load from one numbered station to the next, showing just how much skill is required to operate a crane smoothly and safely.

Powered by the Scania R530 and Palfinger PK62

For the challenge, Sandy was handed the controls of a Scania R530 Cabin Spec crane truck paired with a Palfinger PK62.

The powerful combination provided the ideal platform for the event. The Scania offered the strength and stability required for specialist lifting work, while the Palfinger PK62 delivered the smooth, responsive crane movements needed to tackle the precision course.

Although the crane is capable of handling serious loads in demanding working environments, the challenge demonstrated that power is only part of the equation. Skilled operation is essential when placing loads accurately, managing movement and working safely around people and equipment.

Making Crane Skills Accessible

The HTF Skills Academy Lorry Loader Challenge was one of the most popular activities at the MV Commercial display throughout Convoy in the Park.

Visitors ranging from complete beginners to experienced operators were invited to try the controls and discover what professional crane operation involves. Some made it look easy. Others quickly realised that experienced operators make it look far simpler than it really is.

HTF Skills Academy provides specialist training designed to give operators the practical knowledge, confidence and safety awareness needed to use lorry loaders correctly. By bringing the challenge to Convoy in the Park, the team offered visitors an entertaining introduction to those essential skills.

MV Commercial was proud to support HTF Skills Academy once again, using one of our specialist crane trucks to help showcase the importance of professional operator training.

Did Sandy Master the Challenge?

Sandy successfully worked his way around the numbered course, but was it quick enough to trouble the leading operators?

You will have to watch the full video to see how he handled the Palfinger controls and whether Flat Out Flat Broke has uncovered a future lorry loader champion.

A huge thank you to Sandy for taking part, to the HTF Skills Academy team for running the challenge and to everyone who stopped by the MV Commercial display during another action-packed Convoy in the Park.

Looking for a crane truck for your business? MV Commercial supplies an extensive range of specialist crane trucks for hire and sale, with Ready to Go vehicles available across the UK.

Visit mvcommercial.com or call 01236 280 280 to speak with our specialist team.