Like its predecessor, the new truck has a 12-tonne gross weight and a ClassicSpace L-cab sleeper. This time, though, rather than opting for another 1221 model with 207bhp 5.1-litre engine, Logic has chosen a more powerful 1224 variant.
Its 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engine produces 235bhp and drives through a six-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmission. Meanwhile, the optional 180-litre fuel tank – the standard item has a 120-litre capacity – extends the vehicle’s range.
Based at Logic’s headquarters and main manufacturing facility in Hexham, the Atego has a platform body with front bulkhead by Wheelbase Engineering, of Darwen, Lancashire, which also fitted a VBG coupling. Load volume, rather than weight, is the critical factor for Logic, so the truck pulls a twin-axled drawbar trailer.
The combination delivers Logic’s products to members of its national dealer network located north of the M62, and transports raw materials and components to and from suppliers, the majority of which are located in the North-East – one weekly round trip, for example, is to a galvanising specialist in Newcastle.
The Atego also trunks, typically a couple of times each month, to Logic’s second distribution centre in Cheltenham, which serves dealers in England and Wales, south of the trans-Pennine motorway. For optimum efficiency, some items are carried in ‘knocked-down’ form and assembled on arrival.
Logic managing director Simon Beniams explained: “The drawbar trailer was also built for us by Wheelbase Engineering four years ago, to work with our first Mercedes-Benz Atego. Like the truck, the trailer has a 7.0m bed so is a lot bigger than the version we were using previously. It’s proved very successful.”
He continued: “Although strong and durable, our own trailers, implements and accessories are relatively light, which means we rarely get close to the 22-tonne gross train weight limit. We do make full use of the available space, though, and have even built a frame for the truck body, which takes us close to the maximum permissible 16½ft (5.03m) height.”
Based on its experience with the previous Atego, Logic specified additional load lashing points for the side raves of the new truck’s body, and has also developed an innovative system – “a very unique design” – to secure its products to the floors of the truck and trailer.