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Important Information About Your Order

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This useful guide contains information and advice about all aspects of your delivery. Please take a few minutes to read it. Also, please print it or save it on your computer for future reference. You should also have received our Important Product Information with comprehensive advice and useful tips to help you enjoy your purchase to the full. Please contact us if you have not received it.

CONTENTS

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YOUR TRUCK MOUNTED FORK LIFT DELIVERY

  • Log cabin packs are up to 6 metres long (20ft) and weigh up to 2 tonnes (2000kg). That is longer and heavier than most cars.
  • Even the smallest log cabin packs are around 10ft (3m) long and weigh around 750kg.
  • Truck mounted fork lift deliveries are the easiest way to have your log cabin delivered.
  • At most addresses the driver can unload the cabin without assistance in about 15 minutes.
  • Truck mounted fork lift deliveries are especially popular with customers who are paying somebody else for installation.
  • Fitters expect to move the individual components from the front of the property. This is normally included in their price.
  • At most addresses the unopened pack can be stored somewhere for a few days. If so, you save not only the stress and effort of unloading by hand but also hours of work moving the components afterwards.
  • Our truck mounted fork lift deliveries are available throughout England, Wales and Scotland.

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THE LORRY

  • The delivery vehicle is an articulated lorry with a fork lift mounted at the rear.
  • Please advise if lorry access is difficult at your property.
  • Reasonable access to your property and parking directly outside or very close is assumed.
  • Please advise if there are any low bridges, narrow bridges, weight limits, width limits, parking restrictions, unloading restrictions or narrow lanes at or near your property.
  • The lorry is around 16.5m (54ft) long, which is at least 3 car parking spaces.
  • Access is often difficult for such large lorries but the fork lift can be used to transport the pack from the lorry to your property.
  • If the lorry cannot reach your property we need a suitable parking area within a few hundred yards such as a layby, a pub car park, a large shop car park, a friendy local business or a farm.
  • The maximum possible distance between your property and the lorry parking area is 1000 yards (900m).
  • The packs are half the width of the truck and fit along one side of the lorry.
  • The driver will ensure that the lorry is facing in the right direction for unloading.

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THE FORK LIFT

  • The 4 way fork lift drives forward, backwards or sideways as required in a confined space.
  • Long packs can be carried end on or sideways on at the flick of a switch.
  • A long pack can be unloaded sideways on and then driven end on along a narrow lane or drive.
  • The fork lift is approximately 8ft (2.4m) wide and 10ft (3m) deep with the forks extended fully forwards.
  • Unloading packs sideways on requires a minimum width alongside the lorry of 9ft (2.7m).
  • Carrying packs end on requires a minimum width of 8ft (2.4m).
  • The tyres are suitable for any drive surface including tarmac, concrete, gravel or chippings.
  • If the lorry cannot reach your property the fork lift can be used to carry the components from a short distance away.

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PLANNING YOUR DELIVERY

  • Your delivery will normally be arranged in conjunction with a full load of around 10 or 12 log cabins.
  • You will always receive a telephone call in advance to make sure that you are ready for the delivery.
  • We need payment of any outstanding balance before delivery, in accordance with our standard terms. This is because the drivers do not collect payments.
  • You can postpone the delivery at any time before loading, which is normally around 5 days before the scheduled delivery day.
  • You should not cancel or postpone the delivery after loading.
  • If you postpone the delivery it may be a few weeks before the next delivery in your area.

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THE DELIVERY

  • We recommend that somebody is present during the delivery in case decisions need to be made about where to place the pack. For example, it may be that your preferred storage position is not possible.
  • If asked we can request a call from the driver around 30 or 60 minutes before delivery. This ensures that even if you are out or at work you can still get home for the delivery. You can also make this request yourself during the phone call to book in the delivery.

  • At most properties the pack is left on the drive, often along one side of the drive so it is out of the way.
  • It is sometimes possible to leave the pack on the front lawn if there is a suitable area.
  • It is normally possible to swing a pack round by 90 degrees to place it end on in the drive.

  • The driver will always find somewhere at or near your property to unload the pack. Occasionally the best place is in the drive entrance blocking access for cars. Occasionally the best place is on the pavement or verge outside your property. Occasionally, if the road is wide enough, the best place is on the road alongside the kerb.
  • Unless you live in a no loading area or an urban clearway you are entitled to receive a pavement or roadside delivery.
  • You are also entitled to a reasonable time in which to move the individual components from the kerbside after a delivery.
  • If the road is wide enough a log cabin can be delivered on the road but it should be moved before nightfall.

  • Most pavements are wider than our packs. Even if our pack fills the width of the pavement, most roads have a pavement on both sides so pedestrian access is not obstructed.
  • If the pack is in the way after unloading it may need to be moved quickly. For this we can only apologize. We try to avoid this if possible.
  • The pack is covered on all sides with opaque black or white polythene which protects it from the elements and conceals the contents. It can remain outside for a week or two before installation.
  • If the pack is likely to remain outside for more than a few days we recommend that you inspect the cover carefully for any signs of a hole and patch it up with adhesive tape if required.

  • We have delivered thousands of buildings with a truck mounted fork lift and we have never heard of one being stolen from the front of a property. It would be difficult to steal without making a noise and it would take time. Nevertheless it is best not to store the pack at the front for weeks. If possible store it behind a hedge or wall so it is hidden from view.
  • We recommend moving any smaller and more portable accessories or components which were delivered with the main pack to a secure location as a precaution. Often the driver will help with this if you ask.
  • Check for any visible signs of damage before signing the delivery note. Add a brief note of any damage to the delivery note.
  • In hot or sunny weather long pieces of timber can bow or twist and smaller pieces can shrink significantly, even if covered. This is less likely while the pack is tightly strapped but if possible store the pack in a shady spot.

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MOVING THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS

At most sites you should not need to move the individual components until the installation starts. However, at some sites you may need to move the components soon after delivery, perhaps to make space in the drive or due to security concerns at an open fronted property.

  • The picture above shows the inside of a log cabin pack with the wrapping removed and the individual logs exposed.
  • To open the pack normally requires a sharp knife. A claw hammer may also be required.
  • You will need thick and tear resistant gloves. Always wear gloves when handling timber.
  • First cut the straps to open the pack.
  • Some packs feature timber outer framing which needs to be carefully removed first.
  • Any polythene covering should also be completely removed to expose the components.
  • Most of the components are individual pieces of wood weighing 5-10kg which can be unpacked one or two pieces at a time.
  • We recommend 2 people to unload the largest items safely.
  • The heaviest components are the windows and doors.
  • The glass is often factory fitted, which reduces damage but it means the doors and windows are heavy.
  • The windows and single doors are often supplied in one piece, fully assembled in the frame and ready for installation.
  • Double doors are often broken down into two separate door leaves with the door frame in separate pieces.

  • Other heavy components include triangular front and rear gables supplied with apex roof cabins. Gables are often supplied in one piece for easier installation. Disposable battens which hold the gables together during handling are removed after installation.
  • Other heavy components include prefabricated roof panels, which are sometimes supplied with smaller hexagonal, octagonal and pyramid roof buildings.
  • We recommend using the pallet at the bottom of the pack to store the components. It was tailor made for the job, providing a stable platform and preventing direct contact between the components and the ground.
  • Be careful in hot or sunny weather to store timber components in a shady spot or, if possible, inside a garage or outbuilding. In strong sunlight long pieces of timber can bow or twist and smaller pieces can shrink significantly, even if covered. To counter this, place heavy items on top of the components such as any roofing supplied including felt tiles, steel tiles or cedar tiles. Heavy garden furniture may also be suitable.
  • If your order includes floor and roof insulation this can be placed on top of the components. Insulation is the ideal material to protect timber components from strong sunlight.

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