The Bury-based operator went for the optional Safety Pack, as well as Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance engine brake, LED daytime running lights and Bi-xenon headlights with cornering function.
The Safety Pack includes Mercedes-Benz’s ABA3 (Active Brake Assist 3), as well as Proximity Control Assist, driver’s airbag, and the 12.7cm instrument cluster.
ABA3 – which uses camera and radar inputs to monitors moving and stationary objects in front – is claimed to out-perform the requirements of General Safety Regulations that come into force in November 2018.
Proximity Control Assist works in with cruise control, intervening automatically to restrict the truck’s speed and maintain a pre-set distance from the vehicle in front.
As for the truck itself, Baerlocher selected Mercedes-Benz’s flagship GigaSpace cab along with the 510bhp, 2,500Nm 12.8-litre OM 471 LA straight-six driving through the PowerShift 3 AMT (automated manual transmission) with Predictive Powertrain Control.
“This truck has a very high specification but we consider the money to be extremely well spent,” comments Baerlocher operations director Graeme Knox.
“We’re acutely conscious of our Duty of Care to our own staff, employees at the customer sites we visit, and other road users,” he continues.
“The contribution that systems like ABA3 can make in preventing accidents means we have no hesitation in investing in this advanced safety technology.”
Baerlocher UK has also taken delivery of an 8x4 Mercedes-Benz Arocs 3245 with hook-load system, which it uses to transport demountable silos to customer premises.
The company’s third vehicle is a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, which is assigned to small-scale deliveries.
Both were supplied by dealer Ciceley Commercials under a Charterway finance deal.