Supplied by dealer Roanza Truck & Van, the York-based operator’s first Arocs is a 3243L model with StreamSpace cab and six-cylinder engine, producing 428bhp and driving through a 12-speed PowerShift 3 automated transmission.
It joins A Rhodes’ Mercedes-dominated fleet of 12 crane trucks, including four- and six-wheeled rigids, and tractor units.
The new addition, says managing director John Rhodes, was needed to fill a gap in the fleet.
“The smaller rigids are typically equipped with 50 tonne-metre cranes, while the tractors start at 70-tonne-metres and go up to 150 tonne-metres,” he says, adding that the Arocs “plugs a gap and increases our flexibility”.
Reliability is key, says Rhodes, and trucks are expected to provide at least 10 years’ service. “Long experience has shown that Mercedes-Benz chassis can be trusted to last the pace, which is why we’ve remained loyal to the brand.”
As with A Rhodes’ other trucks, the crane on its new Arocs was supplied and fitted by ACB Cranes, of Stoke-on-Trent.
A Rhodes has ordered two more vehicles from Roanza: one is based on an 8x4 Arocs tipper chassis, which will undergo conversion and strengthening so it can be fitted with a 140 tonne-metre crane.