Supplied by dealer Orwell Truck & Van, four of the Essex-based operator’s new arrivals – like the first – are 3243K models with ClassicSpace M-cabs and steel tipping bodies, by Boweld. Their 10.7-litre straight-six engines produce 422bhp driving through PowerShift automated transmissions.
The fifth, a 3243B variant with the same cab and engine combination, is fitted with a Putzmeister concrete mixer drum.
The order was placed early after the first trial vehicle returned more than 8.5mpg – ahead of all other vehicles in the 92-strong fleet.
SRC’s transport director Clint Layzell says: “We’d not run Mercedes-Benz trucks before, so took a bit of a gamble when we ordered our first Arocs. It’s certainly paid off, though, because that truck has been the most fuel-efficient eight-wheeler on the fleet – it’s at least 0.3 mpg ahead of our established vehicles, which is pretty impressive.”
The vehicles are being inspected and maintained at the dealer’s Colchester branch.