The Arocs is Ruttle Plant's first 8x4 tractor and it features Mercedes' turbo retarder clutch.
Delivered by dealer Ciceley Commercials, the Chorley-based company's latest addition is already notching up a fuel improvement of more than 1 mpg, compared to a 6x4 truck already used for similar operations.
The all-steel sprung unit has a flat-floored BigSpace cab and is powered by the top-rated 625bhp version of Mercedes-Benz's OM 473 in-line six-cylinder engine.
This 15.6-litre unit develops its maximum output at 1,600 rpm, with up to 3,000 Nm of torque from little more than idle speed.
The Arocs powertrain also features a 16-speed PowerShift 3 automated transmission and, importantly, the turbo retarder clutch – which is wear-free, fuel-efficient, and delivers fine control when pulling away and during low-speed manoeuvring under heavy loads.
The turbo retarder clutch also has its own integrated primary retarder, so there is no requirement for a separate retarder to assist the engine brake.
Ruttle Plant director Gareth Ruttle says the new vehicle will be used with a Noteboom Euro 83 low-loader trailer and removable Jeep dolly.
"As our first 8x4 vehicle, it's going to give us a lot more flexibility for moving heavy loads up and down the country," states Ruttle.
Driver Paul Mather praises the turbo retarder clutch, saying: "I have all the control I could need for slow manoeuvring with pinpoint accuracy, and there's bags of torque available from very low revs."
And he adds: "I've also noticed a big improvement in economy, compared to my previous 6x4 truck. I've just completed a couple of runs pulling a piling rig and a crushing machine at 105 tonnes gcw, and returned 5.5 mpg.
"My old truck would have been closer to the 4.5 mpg mark on the same work, and the Arocs isn't even run in yet."