James W Yule buys a new Mercedes-Benz Arocs from BLS Truck & Van

Will Shiers
May 23, 2019

 

Aberdeenshire owner-driver James W Yule has taken delivery of his second Mercedes-Benz Arocs from BLS Truck & Van. The timber haulier acquired the 6x2 2553 tractor unit to replace his first Arocs, which went into service in 2014. 

Primarily working out of the Fetteresso Forest, the operator needs a truck that is tough enough to handle heavy loads in rigorous environments, off surfaced roads. Over the past five years, the Arocs has proven its worth, prompting Yule to purchase a second. 

“The Arocs handles the trails without any problem,” Yule said. “Its high ground clearance means deep ruts and bumps are never a problem, and lifting the rear-axle enables me to gain more traction from the drive-axle should I need it, while improving manoeuvrability for tight turns. 

“The truck is also significantly lighter than a 6x4 tractor, and the resulting increase in payload capacity makes for higher productivity. I’ve considered other options but the Arocs is the only vehicle on the market that’s purpose-built for tough, off-road applications like mine.”

Yule opted for the 12.8-litre OM471LA engine (530hp/2,600Nm) mated with the PowerShift3 automated transmission. The truck is fitted with a tag-axle and features a flat-floored, 2.5m-wide version of the aerodynamic StreamSpace cab, with a top-mounted Kelsa chrome lightbar and beacons, aluminium chequer-plate catwalk, alloy wheels and headlamp protectors.

The trailer features a Hiab Loglift crane with its own cabin for full weather protection. The truck is coupled to a Dennison timber trailer and runs between the forest and local sawmills. 

About the Author

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Will Shiers

Will has been the editor of Commercial Motor magazine since 2011 and is the UK jury member of the International Truck of the Year.

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