Highland Haulage has high praise for Mercedes Actros27 May 2016
Highland Haulage has taken delivery of two Mercedes-Benz Actros tractors, with two more of the same to follow this year, and says its drivers have given a resounding thumbs-up to the new additions.
Supplied by dealer Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen, the Actros 2548 tractors are powered by 476bhp straight-six engines, driving through PowerShift 3 automated transmissions, and both are fitted with fuel-saving Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC) systems.
Highland Haulage’s Actros have lifting rear axles for optimum manoeuvrability. “We’ve been running a tag-axle fleet for over 40 years now,” says director Sandy Catto. “Having heard good things about the Actros from owner-drivers who work for us, we were keen to try it ourselves.”
He adds: “We have some highly experienced professionals on our staff and we respect their opinions greatly. The feedback they’ve given us on the new trucks is very positive indeed.”
The trucks are double-shifted on daytime runs to Fort William on the west coast, and hauling bulk materials from local factories to Inverness harbour at night.
The hilly terrain means PPC comes into its own: the cruise control system employs digital 3D mapping and GPS data to scan the road ahead. It then manages gear changes and vehicle speed, making full use of the truck’s EcoRoll function to restrict diesel consumption and CO2 emissions.
“The A82 to Fort William in particular is one long series of twists, turns and undulations,” says Catto. “Our drivers report that the Actros are very stable and easy to handle, while the BigSpace cabs are roomy, comfortable and well-appointed.”
Author
Laura Cork
Related Companies
Mercedes Benz Uk Limited
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