Supplied by dealer Western Commercial, the Halifax-based operator’s new additions are 4163 models with BigSpace cabs mounted on steel-sprung 8x4 chassis, and powered by top-rated 616bhp variants of the OM 473 15.6-litre, in-line, six-cylinder engine. One is plated for operation at 250 tonnes gcw, the other at 180 tonnes.
The turbo retarder clutch works with the 16-speed Powershift automated transmission in place of a manual gearbox and torque converter clutch set-up
It can deliver 3,000Nm of torque – much more than a torque converter. It also incorporates its own integrated retarder, without which a separate retarder would be needed to help the engine brake bring a fully-loaded 250-tonne rig to a stop.
The two Arocs have just completed their first major assignment, transporting a pair of steam boilers across the UK. Each boiler was 15m log, 5m wide and weighed 85 tonnes.
“Our drivers were highly impressed with these fantastic pieces of equipment from Mercedes-Benz,” says Eric Crosby, Collett’s heavy lifts project director.
“The turbo retarder clutch was particularly impressive, very smooth under load and extremely user friendly.”
The trucks are equipped with hydraulic systems and Rockinger couplings front and rear, designed for use with the multi-axled Scheuerle modular trailers on which the boilers were carried.
Collett’s fleet of 130 trailers also includes low-loaders and extendable trailers capable of carrying wind turbine blades up to 60m long.
Managing director Dave Collett adds: “In our business, the only way to properly test a truck is on the job, over a long period of time, so that’s what we’ll now be doing with these Mercedes-Benz units.
“We’ll continue to benchmark their performance against our other heavy trucks, focusing particularly on their fuel efficiency but also their maintenance costs, driveability and comfort... On the evidence of this first proper challenge, though, it’s fair to say the early signs are very promising indeed.”