The Actros is one of six vehicles built by Bevan for Barr's English-based fleet, joining two 18-tonne Mercedes Antos and three 15-tonne MAN TGMs.
All feature the same body, designed for multi-drop applications. The curtains are tensioned from front to back and have locks at both ends, so drivers have no time-consuming straps and buckles to contend with. The curtains simply slide back, in concertina fashion, in seconds to give access to the load.
These vehicles are also Barr's first to be fitted with a new, roof-retractable load retention system, developed by Simark Engineering, of Rowley Regis.
Compatible with the latest DVSA health and safety standards, the system allows the driver to pull the retaining net down and over the product, then tension it, from ground level, without having to climb on to the truck.
"We trialled some bodies by Bevan in 2008 and they were very good, so we stuck with them and have not looked back since," says Steve Bird, transport services supervisor for the company's English-based fleet of 45 trucks.
"Bevan's products are very well engineered – they require minimal maintenance, which is crucial given that we work to a 10-year vehicle replacement cycle."
The latest vehicles, he adds, were completed by Bevan ahead of schedule.