First Arocs Add Mercedes-Benz Muscle At TJ Transport
Fareham-based TJ Transport has pitched its first Euro VI Mercedes-Benz tippers into a three-way battle for fleet supremacy.
The two Arocs eight-wheelers have come out fighting. Managing Director John Gosling enthused: “Mercedes-Benz is a premium brand so we expect a premium product. On the basis of first impressions, the Arocs does not disappoint.
“With its excellent ground clearance and meaty front end, it certainly looks the part and has clearly being designed specifically for the construction industry. It is also relatively light for a Euro VI chassis, which contributes to a highly competitive payload of up to 20 tonnes.”
The new trucks were supplied by south coast Dealer Pentagon Commercials, which is inspecting and servicing them at its 24-hour Fareham workshop under Mercedes-Benz Repair and Maintenance Contracts.
Both are Arocs 3240K models with M ClassicSpace cabs and state-of-the-art straight-six engines which transmit their 290 kW (394 hp) outputs via Mercedes PowerShift automated gearboxes. Their alloy tipping bodies are by Wilcox Commercial Vehicles, of Peterborough.
Looking ahead to next year’s orders, TJ Transport will now be evaluating the Mercedes-Benz contenders against a range of criteria including fuel efficiency, reliability and Dealer back-up, alongside 32-tonne products by the two Swedish manufacturers also represented on its fleet of more than 100 trucks.
The Arocs are the operator’s first Mercedes-Benz vehicles since 2009, when it purchased five Axor 8×4 tippers. They are working on two of its biggest contracts, both with multinational firms, and spend most of their time carrying aggregates. But they can also be switched to muckaway duties, for which their bodies came with special, durable liners.
Mr Gosling continued: “Our last Mercedes-Benz multi-wheelers have proved reliable and cost-effective to run, so much so that we’ve just extended their R&M contracts. Driver feedback has also been entirely positive while Pentagon have always provided a first class service.”
The Arocs are fitted with Daimler FleetBoard telematics systems and safety-enhancing, 360-degree cameras – TJ Transport is an accredited member of the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).
TJ Transport bought its first Mercedes-Benz in 1997 and the three-pointed star has been ever-present on its fleet since. Part of the TJ Group of haulage, recycling and waste management companies, which was formed in 1995, TJ Transport operates primarily within a 40-mile radius of Fareham. As well as supplying customers with land-sourced, sea-dredged and recycled aggregates, it has vast experience in the transport and disposal of a wide range of inert and hazardous waste materials.
