The Marshfield, Chippenham-based company’s new 6x4 tractors – which were purpose-designed for construction applications – were specified with flat-floored StreamSpace cabs and are now being used to transport diggers, excavators and other heavy plant on new, four-axle King low-loader trailers.
Both are 2651 models with Mercedes’ 517bhp six-cylinder engines driving through 12-speed PowerShift 3 AMTs (automated manual transmissions) – adding to the firm’s 80-strong truck fleet.
MJ Church also went for high performance, three-stage auxiliary brakes, designed to reduce wear on the service brakes while also improving safety and control.
“The driver feedback on the new Arocs tractors has been really good,” states transport manager Karl Wintle.
“They’re impressed with the engine and gearbox, particularly in terms of low-speed manoeuvrability, while the cab – although slightly smaller than they’ve been used to – has also won praise as a spacious, well-designed workplace.”
Mercedes-Benz dealer City West Commercials’ driver-trainer Justyn Marshman delivered driver training on the new 80-tonne tractors.
“I spoke afterwards to one of our drivers, who I’d describe as quite ‘old school’,” says Wintle. “He couldn’t rate Justin highly enough. He wasn’t being told how to drive. Rather, he was shown what the vehicle’s capable of and how he could make life easier for himself.”
Wintle explains: “So, for example, this particular individual would never use the engine retarder on his previous vehicle, but he’s certainly doing so with this one.
“He’s also driving in a more predictive manner, anticipating rather than reacting to changes in road conditions.
“This means less fatigue for him, which is also better and safer for other road users. And as a fleet operator I’m happy too, because I know there’s going to be less wear and tear on the vehicle.”
MJ Church’s earlier fleet of eight 8x4s are all Arocs 3240s with steel Charlton tipping bodies and, in two cases, Palfinger Epsilon grabs, on muckaway work, as well as a pair of Hyva hook-loaders based on the same chassis.
“The drivers who use these Mercedes-Benz vehicles definitely rate them over our other truck marques in terms of ride comfort,” comments Wintle.
“The Arocs are also well ahead in terms of economy – at 9.2 mpg, their average returns are a mile and half better than the competition, which is brilliant.