Dalrod goes for Mercedes-Benz Arocs and Whale combo 30 June 2014

Peterborough-based drainage and sewer specialist Dalrod has a new flagship truck – a muscular 8x4 Mercedes-Benz 32-tonne Arocs with the aerodynamic StreamSpace cab.

The Arocs 3236K has been finished in eye-catching Vanda Blue paintwork with colour-coded bumpers, and has a roof-mounted Kelsa light bar, air horns and protective headlight grilles.

Whale Tankers manufactured and fitted the vehicle's vacuum system and tank (which carries up to 4,000 gallons of waste), with high-pressure jetting hose (fed from a second, 250-gallon clean water tank).

The Mercedes' 10.7-litre Euro 6 engine delivers 360bhp) was specified with the 16-speed manual gearbox, in place of the standard-fit Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission, to meet the requirements of the split prop PTO (power take off) arrangement that drives the sucking and jetting system.

According to operations manager Derek Bullivant, key to Dalrod's choice was the performance and reliability of a 26-tonne Mercedes-Benz Axor, which has now been in service since 2008, and a 15-tonne Atego commissioned nearly four years ago.

"At over £200,000, this vehicle represents a very significant investment for our business," states Bullivant.

"Our previous Mercedes-Benz trucks have been excellent – the 2008 six-wheeler is still going strong – and the service from Intercounty Truck & Van is very good, too."

Dalrod also operates Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito vans fitted with small jetting units.

Another recent addition to the fleet is its first example from the new Mercedes-Benz Citan small van range, launched last year – a 109 CDI BlueEfficiency version, offering 65.7 mpg and CO2 emissions down to 112 g/km.

Author
Brian Tinham

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