Supplied by dealer Mertrux Truck & Van, the Actros replaces a Mercedes-Benz Axor chassis and joins the operator’s 85-strong fleet. The Actros is powered by a 7.7-litre straight-six engine generating 350bhp, and has a 2.3m-wide, low-roofed CompactSpace sleeper cab with 170mm engine tunnel.
“We wanted a chassis that could carry the five-car transporter body we’d removed from a previous vehicle, with minimal alterations,” says Tony Bradbury, director of Mobile Services.
The Actros sits 100mm lower than the Axor, which means it can carry higher vehicles, such as large vans. Bradbury says: “In our job, every reduction we can make in the overall height of a transporter gives us added flexibility in terms of the loads it can carry.”
Fuel economy is a bonus, he says, with the vehicle already averaging 9.9mpg and this figure is expected to improve as the Actros beds in.
Mertrux driver-trainer is working with the operator’s trainer on vehicle familiarisation to ensure optimum performance, and driver feedback has been positive.
Bradbury says: “On this evidence, we’ll be looking to convert our remaining rigid transporters to new Actros models as they fall due for replacement.”