Three Range T520 6x2 tag axle tractor units have joined the company’s 14-strong fleet working on bulk agricultural deliveries to farms within a 100-mile radius.
Thompsons of York uses its own mill to blend and process the raw materials into pellet form. For transport manager Steve Room, recommendations from other operators played a fundamental role in the selection of a new truck manufacturer: “The delivery of raw materials into Thompsons is outsourced, and from big fleets to one-man bands, all of those operators with Renault trucks spoke highly of them and would get another one. Some of these men are what I would call very hard to please, so if they’re happy with Renault Trucks then they must be good.”
Supplied by Thompson Commercials Limited (Hull), the sleeper-cabbed Range Ts pull Fruehauf Tri-Axle tipping trailers with Priden/Alibulk auxiliary equipment.
Room adds: “The animal feed market is very competitive and farmers not only demand the finest quality product at the best prices, but also excellent service and availability. We’ve not always received the best service from other truck manufacturers so the new vehicles had to deliver the full package – reliability and first-class dealer back-up.”
Explaining why he opted for the tag, he continues: “Most of our drops would be okay with a mid-lift, but I went for a tag axle as it gives more manoeuvrability and grip, and gets into places more easily than a standard tractor unit. This is especially important when going in and out of farmland that has more challenging muddy ground.”
The T520s are equipped with a wealth of optional extras, including Alcoa DuraBright aluminium wheels, 24-litre fridge and Kelsa top light bar with six spot lights, leather steering wheel and temperature-controlled Recaro leather seats.