James Burrell scores a four and a six

Builders’ merchant James Burrell has added four Mercedes-Benz Arocs 6-wheelers to its fleet and ordered a further six.

The 2532 L models have ClassicSpace S-cabs and are fitted with the manufacturer’s digital MirrorCam system – which replaces conventional mirrors – a Multimedia Cockpit – which replaces conventional switchgear with twin screens – a 12in instrument panel and Mercedes’ Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking system. The forthcoming six vehicles will be identical save for the addition of rear-steer axles.

They were supplied by Bell Truck and Van with bodywork by Dependable Bodies and cranes from Hiab. Power comes from 320hp 7.7-litre engines. 

The Gateshead-based company was one of the first businesses in the UK to acquire an Arocs in October 2019. It operates 36 trucks across 10 sites in the north east and Yorkshire – the majority of which are 26-tonne Mercedes dropsides with cranes – and delivers more than 1,000 tonnes of material per day.

It said the series of new safety systems would be used as part of its bid to rise from FORS Bronze to Silver level.

“With their comprehensive safety specifications, these impressive new trucks can only help us to achieve this goal,” said assistant transport manager, Graham Johnston.

“The new trucks are certainly pulling out some very good mpg figures [but] it’s difficult to be precise because so many variables come into play.

“Obviously, routes and loads differ, while the cranes are driven by the engine PTO (power take-off) so also consume fuel when they’re working. But at 10mpg, our latest Arocs look to be between 1.2 and 2mpg ahead of the fleet average, which is very encouraging.”