Supplied by dealer Metrux Truck & Van, the Derby-based operator’s Arocs 3440 has a platform body with folding ‘cheese wedge’ ramps – a combination favoured by the plant industry – built by Shawtrack Services, of Mansfield.
The truck has a ClassicSpace M-cab and features a 50 tonne-metre HMF EVS 5020-K6 crane to lift and place portable office buildings weighing anything up to eight tonnes, as well as access equipment. Recommended by Shawtrack, it can lift 9,270kg at a distance of 4.7m, and 2,150kg when fully extended at 16.7m.
Although Total needed the carrying capacity of a 32-tonner, the fact that the vehicle will rarely venture off-road meant a conventional double-drive configuration was not required, so a single drive axle was specified.
The result is a saving of approximately 600kg in weight, which translates into improved payload capacity and fuel economy from the 389bhp straight-six engine.
As the back axle is not driven, Mertrux ordered the chassis with a rear-steer set-up for better manoeuvrability. This axle can also be lifted when the truck is running light, so reducing tyre wear.
Its new flagship has replaced an eight-wheeler by another manufacturer. It is the subject of a contract hire agreement with Pentagon Vehicle Rentals, a sister company to Mertrux, and is working alongside a 26-tonne Arocs with beavertail plant body.
“We commissioned that vehicle in 2015 and it has performed flawlessly,” says Total Hire & Sales operations director Andy Hickingbottom. “Given this very positive experience, and our desire to present a consistent, high-quality image, we decided to also base the bigger truck on a Mercedes-Benz chassis.”
Hickingbottom and his colleagues met with the dealer and bodybuilder, before deciding on the final specification. “It was time well spent... we’re now running a truck which, as well as ticking every box in terms of its capability, also looks fantastic. In fact, it’s the perfect tool for its different jobs.”
The Arocs is based at Total’s dedicated site accommodation branch in Little Eaton, Derby – in addition to cabins up to 24ft long, the portfolio includes canteens and welfare facilities.
Like its predecessor, the new vehicle is maintained at the dealer’s workshop nearby. Metrux Truck & Van’s aftersales offer was also key to the decision, says Hickingbottom, adding: “That truck does not stop from 6.30am until 5pm, so any downtime during the day is costing us money. We have struggled over the years, though, to find a reliable garage which remains open out of hours.
“But maintenance is no longer a problem, because Mertrux give us great service. We can drop off our vehicles at night then pick them up again the next morning – the work has always been done, and to a very high standard.”