Supplied by dealer Roanza, the Dukinfield-based operator’s latest addition is an Actros 2545 Bigspace tractor and was ordered after a successful trial of a demonstrator.
Fuel efficiency, telematics and service back-up were all factors, says Global Casing Logistics, but the Active Brake Assist 3 (ABA 3) option clinched it.
Since November 2014, it has been compulsory for all new trucks over 12 tonnes gvw (and air suspended trucks over 8 tonnes) to have an advanced emergency braking system – Mercedes’ ABA 3 option exceeds the demands of the legislation.
Using a combination of radar and cameras, the system monitors moving and stationary objects in front and sounds an audible warning if it senses potential for a collision. If the driver takes no action, ABA 3 will then apply staged braking – and eventually full braking power – to reduce the impact. At speeds of up to 60kph, says Mercedes, it can bring the truck to a halt before a collision occurs.
“Active Brake Assist 3 has the ability to prevent potentially serious accidents, which to my mind means it’s an investment very well worth making,” says Stuart Quinn, managing director of Global Casing Logistics.
Having heard good reports of the Actros, he says, he agreed to trial one of Roanza’s demonstrator vehicles.
“It posted some promising fuel figures from the outset, while our driver was also impressed and I liked what I saw of the dealer’s service operation,” says Quinn.
He placed the order and continued to use the demonstrator while the new truck was being built. “It returned an average 10.4 mpg which, although we’re not fully loaded all the time, is excellent,” he says.
“If our own Actros proves similarly economical I’ll be delighted. In fact, I’m hoping the Mercedes-Benz FleetBoard hardware might even help us to improve on it.”