Long-awaited T High meets McAteer Recycling's expectations

McAteer Recycling has bought three new Renault Trucks Range T520 High 6x2 twin wheel tag-axle tractor units, and says it has been impressed with their fuel economy and reliability during the five months they have been on the road.

Eamonn McAteer, director of the Northern Ireland-based firm said: “We always said we’d buy the T High when it came out in right hand drive. The drivers love them, even dedicated drivers of other trucks won’t get out of them!”

Opting for the French manufacturer’s DTi 13-litre Euro-6 engine in its highest state of tune with 512hp and 2550Nm of torque, McAteer explained that the 75cu yd HardBox “steel-bodied scrap trailers mean we’re heavy even when running empty, so we need the extra power”. 

Despite carrying out heavy operations, he stated that “the trucks are getting better mileage as they run in, even on our work they’re pushing 8.1mpg. When you’re running as many trucks as we are, every drop of fuel you save counts”.

“Coming out of Dublin its hilly terrain that we need to power up, and if this means more can be done in a day, we’re earning more money”.

The units have also been specified with leather trimmed seats, TVs and a fridge. External additions include light bars and air horns. They join a 25-strong mixed fleet of Scania R-Series, Mercedes-Benz Actros and Volvo FHs units.

“Drivers have come out of some of the Scania R-Series and into the Renault’s and preferred them,” explained McAteer.

Purchased with Renault Trucks Start & Drive hire purchase contract through Renault Trucks Financial Services (RTFS), McAteer also stated that “we took advantage of a 0% finance offer with RTFS over five years that’s fully warranted for the life of the contract, so for five years all we have to worry about is fuel and tyres.

“Now we’re looking to order a further five T Highs, and although the 0% finance deal is no longer available, we’ll still be going with the RTFS Start & Drive contract over four years for risk-free maintenance and repairs”.

McAteer Recycling works all over Ireland, and will use Renault Trucks dealers Toal Truck Services in Armagh, and Setanta in Dublin. “We know we can get the support we need wherever we are,” McAteer added.