Supplied by dealer Bell Truck and Van, the Actros 2545 tractor units have flat-floored StreamSpace cabs and are specified with Predictive Powertrain Control systems. They also have with hydraulics packs and pull bulk tipping trailers.
The trucks are powered by 449bhp straight-six engines driving through PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.
“We always take a measured approach and did plenty of research before making this commitment,” says Ronnie McGrouther, transport manager for Thompsons.
“Everyone talks in this industry and by chatting to peers and colleagues you can get a good feel for which vehicles are performing well. Without exception, everything we’ve heard about the Actros has been resoundingly positive.”
On the three-truck trial, he says: “Obviously this is a long-term exercise, but the Actros have certainly made a very good start.
“Their mpg returns are well into the nines, which is excellent; we can certainly live with that. It puts Mercedes-Benz comfortably ahead of one of its competitors, and on a par with the other.”
Mileage is not expected to be high, he adds, but the trucks will be worked hard: “There’s not much empty or light running – instead, they leave each day at 44 tonnes gcw and are fully loaded for a good 75% of the time, with a lot of A-road work in Scotland.”
The vehicles are supplied with a three-year R&M contract.