New Renault Trucks T520 for North West Recycling

Cumbria-based North West Recycling has taken delivery of a new Renault Trucks T520 6x2 tag axle tractor unit with moving floor hydraulics. Supplied by Mike Carr at Border Trucks this now makes 18 of the company’s fleet of 28 vehicles, Renaults. 

The T520 will be put to work on bulk waste jobs across the UK but predominantly in the North East and Scotland. A DE13 engine produces 520hp and peak torque of 2550Nm from 990rpm to 1400rpm. This is paired with a 12-speed Optidriver AT 2612 gearbox and automatic clutch. Fuel savings can be made using FUEL ECO and ECO Cruise control with Optiroll to optimise gear changes. 

Paul McDermott, North West Recycling’s transport manager, said: “Our experience of running a T has been great and we have been very pleased with the specification, so when it came to our requirement for a tag axle vehicle, Renault Trucks was the obvious first choice. As this vehicle will be operating on both asphalt and soft ground, we opted for the tag axle which gives extra grip and drive, an immediate benefit to our operation.”

Optional extras added to the specification include Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheels, roof-mounted twin air horns and side deflectors. A sleeper cab was specified along with front air suspension, microwave and fridge, extra storage, luxury insulated cab curtain and bunk, leather steering wheel, luxury heated and ventilated driver’s seat and multimedia screen.

McDermott said: “The vehicles are typically out for four nights, Monday-Friday, so additional creature comforts make a world of difference to our drivers. We are very happy to go the extra mile designing our specs and Mike Carr walked us through the optional extras available and helped us to specify the vehicle to our exact requirements. Nothing was too much trouble for him.”

North West Recycling opted for a five-year Renault Trucks repair and maintenance Excellence package. 

McDermott said: “The Excellence package gives us extra peace of mind that the vehicle is maintained to the highest standards using genuine Renault Trucks parts. Our servicing is done by Border Trucks and the service manager, David Baty, is superb. Although breakdowns are very far and few between, if something urgent does come up then the team in the garage will fit us in at short notice. This level of service is invaluable to the efficient running of our operation.”

“We are using Renault Trucks’ fleet management system, Optifleet, across all vehicles including this latest T520 so we can monitor the performance of trucks and drivers in real time. It’s an essential tool that helps us to stay connected, guide decision-making and reduce costs and we are delighted with the overall package from the vehicle through to support from Renault Trucks.”