The vehicle is an 8x4 Arocs 4163S from Mercedes’ Euro 6 SLT range launched last year. Plant Speed’s previous vehicle – which was both its first 250-tonner and its first Mercedes-Benz truck – is an Actros 4165S.
The SLT – the ‘S’ stands for Schwer (heavy), ‘L’ for Last (load) and ‘T’ for Transport – is also available as an Actros. However, Mercedes dealer City West Commercials explains that its higher axle load capacity ratings means the all-steel sprung Arocs is best suited to most UK operations.
Plant Speed’s new truck was specified with the flat-floored BigSpace cab and is powered by the top-rated 625bhp version of the Mercedes’ OM 473 15.6-litre in-line six-cylinder Euro 6 engine.
Plant Speed’s earlier Actros was one of the UK’s first to be fitted with Mercedes’ Turbo Retarder Clutch, which works in conjunction with the 16-speed PowerShift AMT (automated manual transmission).
This replaced the previous manual gearbox and torque converter clutch arrangement, and, according to Plant Speed managing director Paul Lomas, was key to the operator’s decision to make its second Mercedes SLT acquisition.
“The Turbo Clutch is a fantastic piece of kit,” clomments Lomas.
“It’s very sensitive and offers fine control characteristics. So, for low-speed manoeuvres, or when pulling away on a steep gradient, it’s absolutely brilliant,” he continues.
“There’s nothing else like it on the market, which means it really sets Mercedes-Benz apart.”
Importantly, the Turbo Clutch is designed to be wear-free and fuel-efficient.
It is also capable of handling and delivering some 3,000Nm of torque, significantly more than a traditional torque converter.
It also incorporates its own integrated retarder. Without this, a separate retarder would be necessary to assist the high-performance engine brake in bringing a fully-loaded 250-tonne rig safely to a halt.
Plant Speed operates nationwide and in its first few weeks, the Arocs has been used to transport everything from wind turbines and heavy plant, to bridge sections on bolsters.
“We’ve had one or two teething issues but they have been sorted quickly and efficiently by City West Commercials, who provide a very good service,” states Lomas.
“These are still early days, of course, but with its high ground clearance the Arocs certainly looks the part. Our driver is very pleased with it too, not least because the spacious, comfortable cab has been upgraded and the layout improved. Mercedes-Benz has obviously put a lot of thought into this latest workspace.”