Supplied by dealer Sparshatts of Kent, Penfold’s latest acquisition is a high-spec 8x4 Arocs 3263 tipper, powered by a 15.6-litre straight-six engine, delivering 625bhp and driving through a PowerShift 3 automated transmission.
The truck is fitted with a high-sided Thompson Loadmaster steel tipping body and Epsilon M135L HPLS radio remote-controlled crane with grab.
The 32-tonner is used primarily to transport gravels, but is also has a coupling that enables it to tow pavers, rollers and diggers on a drawbar trailer at up to 44 tonnes gtw.
The Crowborough-based operator has also ordered a 6x2 Arocs 2551, with 12.8-litre engine and rear-steer axle, which is due for delivery next month. This vehicle will be fitted with a special tar-spraying body.
“We’re very pleased with our new truck,” says director Matthew Penfold.
“It clearly offers the strength and performance we need – we went for the biggest engine to ensure that it’s ‘man enough’ to work with our fully loaded drawbar trailer.
“I’ve driven the Arocs myself and was very impressed, particularly with the auto transmission, which is extremely smooth – not having to change gear makes life at the wheel so much easier.”
The vehicle is being inspected and maintained by Sparshatts’ Tonbridge depot.