Million kilometre milestone reached by Edmonson’s Mercedes-Benz 13 August 2012
F Edmondson & Sons has just stood down one of its first Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks after 14 years and more than a million kilometres.
The veteran vehicle is one of a fleet of 50 trucks at the company, ranging from 7.5-tonners to 40-tonne tractor units and drawbars, every one a Mercedes-Benz.
This particular truck began life as a 4x2 tractor unit and spent five years working across Europe, collecting furniture from manufacturers for delivery to retailers in the UK.
Company chairman Garry Edmondson explains that it was then stretched into a drawbar rigid by Darwen's chassis conversion specialist Wheelbase Engineering, and continued on long-haul continental work for a further four years.
Life has been slightly easier since 2007, as regular work has only taken the truck as far as Ireland.
"The 'old girl' is still going strong and it's a great shame to see her finally retire," comments Edmondson.
"But we were offered a very fair trade-in price so decided the time was right to move her on. She'll probably go for export now, and I've no doubt she'll continue to work hard and efficiently for many more years to come."
James Timperley, who has driven the 1998 truck for the last five years, adds: "She's an absolute star and has always been a willing worker. Not once has that truck ever let me down. I've looked after her, and she's looked after me."
Author
John Challen
Related Companies
Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd
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