Supplied by dealer Pentagon Commercials, the 8x2 Arocs carries up to 3,000 more litres of milk than the operator’s 26-tonners, which can save on an extra collection.
The new addition is powered by a 10.7-litre straight-six engine that produces 360bhp and drives through a standard-fit PowerShift 3 automated transmission. Its Maisonneuve milk tank body has a capacity of 18,500 litres.
It also has a steering rear axle, meaning it has the same manoeuvrability as Pattermores’ smaller trucks. The factory-fitted, air-suspended rear axle can also be lifted when the vehicle is running light, enabling the operator to save on tyre wear.
Transport director Alex Pattemore says: “The new truck offers the benefits of increased carrying capacity and productivity, and thanks to its rear-steer axle can get in and out of farms that a standard 32-tonner would not be able to reach.
“This means we can now make an additional collection that we would not have had room for on a smaller tanker. As well as making a valuable contribution towards our emissions reduction targets, the resulting reduction in the number of vehicle movements is saving us money on our fuel bill.”
The French-built body features a fully electric pumping system powered by a lithium battery, instead of a more conventional hydraulic arrangement run from the engine PTO. In addition to the savings in fuel use, the electric system is quieter and, says manufacturer Maisonneuve, easier to maintain.
“There is a higher capital cost for the new, electric pumping technology,” says Pattemore. “But it’s saving around three hours of engine running per day, and we estimate that it will pay for itself within two years.”