It is one of the first UK operators to cover more than half a million kilometres in individual gas trucks and the experience has been positive, encouraging the replacement of the 395bhp CNG-fuelled 8.7-litre CURSOR 9 models with the higher output 12.9-litre CURSOR 13. The CURSOR 13 NP, engineered by FPT Industrial, is claimed to be the most powerful pure gas engine on the market, producing 454bhp and 2,000Nm of torque between 1,100 and 1,600rpm, and it features the long oil change intervals of 90,000km.
The new Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered Stralis trucks will continue where the old ones left off by servicing the four daily trips between a regional distribution centre (RDC) in Chorley, Lancashire and a client’s production plant in Barrow-in Furness transporting toilet roll.
The trucks work 24 hours a day on a multi-driver shift pattern pulling a total payload of eight tonnes on 15.6 metre curtain-sided longer semi-trailers (LSTs). The combination of Stralis NPs and LSTs have worked well, with the trailers offering the added flexibility of being able to accommodate a maximum of 60 pallets when required.
Drivers refuel at CNG Fuels’ Leyland gas station half a mile from the Chorley RDC, thus reducing the need to refuel during the 160-mile round trip.
This has ensured each truck has been 100% powered by renewable biomethane during its 30-month life which has further reduced its environmental impact and contributed towards the circular economy. HPH was an early adopter of gas power within its 95-truck fleet in 2018 and has been supported by supplying dealer Walton Summit Truck Centre in Preston.
“We have been very well supported by both IVECO and Walton Summit during the last 30 months. Our gas trial has been a true partner approach and Walton Summit’s gas knowledge, advice, support and service around the clock has been invaluable. Being one of the first operators to adopt gas power has proven a positive experience and we are confident our Stralis NPs have had a neutral impact on the environment,” said Steve Sugden, director of HPH.
“TCO costs have also been very favourable. The cost of gas versus diesel has been significantly lower during the past 30 months and it will be interesting to see how the higher power Stralis NP 460s perform on the Chorley-Barrow-in-Furness route,” he added.
The Stralis NP gas replacement programme has coincided with HPH taking delivery of four diesel Stralis AS440S46TX/P 460hp steering mid-lift 6x2s. These are the first non-gas IVECO trucks to enter service on the HPH fleet and will be used on the same contract as the gas trucks.