Hireco rental fleet gets 35 trucks

Trailer hire provider Hireco has strengthened its position in the truck rental sector by  investing in a new fleet of tractor units.

The latest additions to its fleet are 35 high-specification Mercedes-Benz Actros 2545 BigSpace models powered by 330 kW (449 hp) straight-six engines, which drive through Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmissions.

Newtownabbey Dealer Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (Northern Ireland) supplied the new trucks which are equipped with fuel-saving Mercedes Predictive Powertrain Control systems.

Features include colour-coded bumpers, air management kits and fridges beneath the bunks.

The availability of the PPC system was key to the decision, as several of Hireco’s customers had reported that they were considering investing in new Actros units with the technology.

PPC is an adaptive cruise control that employs three-dimensional GPS mapping to read three kilometres of topography ahead then responds by controlling speed, braking and the transmission to maximise fuel efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz says the system can cut fuel costs by up to 5%.

James Smith, Hireco MD said: “For some time now operators who take trailers from us on long-term contract hire have been asking if we can supply tractors as well.

“We did buy a small number of trucks back in 2007 but the market dropped off a cliff, so we didn’t persevere.

“Now things are picking up again, though, we felt the time was right to dip our toe back in.”