Distribution and warehousing firm Viamaster Transport reports a good experience to date from the first of its two new Mercedes-Benz Actros 2546 tractor units, with 460hp engines and the range-topping, flat-floored MegaSpace cabs.
"We always specify trucks in the 460—480hp power range, with automatic transmissions, and the standard-fit Mercedes PowerShift system in the Actros is very smooth and user-friendly," comments Ian Davenport, fleet engineer with the Leeds-based operator.
"Mercedes-Benz has a high reputation for reliability and the Actros were competitively priced. Although it's still too early to form a definitive opinion, our initial impressions are certainly positive," he adds.
He also says that Northside Truck & Van – the Mercedes dealer for South and West Yorkshire – has been impressive. "It's difficult to buy a bad truck these days, so back-up is crucially important," says Davenport. "Northside appears to be highly professional and has made a good start."
Both trucks are finished in Viamaster's orange livery. The first has been on the road since last October and is assigned to a long-term contract with a local customer, whose products it is delivering throughout the UK; the second arrived recently and has joined the operator's general haulage fleet.
