McIntosh Heavy Logistics, part of Aberdeenshire’s McIntosh Plant Hire, has put a 180-tonne Mercedes-Benz Arocs 4163 SLT 8x4 tractor unit into service, and its first example of the marque has impressed both its operator and driver due to its reliability and comfort.
The SLT is powered by a 625hp, 6-cylinder engine which is mated to a 16-speed automated-manual, PowerShift gearbox that’s been fitted with a turbo retarder clutch, allowing the driver to easily handle its 3,000Nm of torque.
The Echt-based heavy haulage firm opted for a BigSpace cab to house its best driver David Ewan, as the company director Gary McIntosh explained: “We adhere to a one driver, one vehicle policy, because this means they treat them as their own, enhancing the performance and longevity of the asset.”
McIntosh explained that Ewan “couldn’t be happier with it” as he likes the “roomy, flat-floored cab, and reports that the transmission and turbo clutch, which replaces the traditional manual gearbox and torque converter, makes it very easy to drive.”
Supplied by Mercedes-Benz Western Commercial dealer, the truck has been delivering a reliable service so far. McIntosh, stated: “Reliability is the most important attribute we look for in a truck, and I’m delighted to report our first Mercedes-Benz hasn’t missed a beat.”
External touches include a personalised registration plate reading M100 MHL, and a grey, red and black livery design especially for the new vehicle. “The SLT was very well specified and had a really nice paint job. We came up with a livery design that complements this, so it looks fantastic,” remarked McIntosh.
Within McIntosh Heavy Logistics’ fleet of nine heavy haulage vehicles which also includes an MAN TGX 640 8x4, the Arocs operates from its 62-acre Birchmoss Plant & Storage depot on daily operations with a 4-axle Faymonville low-loader and Nooteboom trailers.
The company has future plans for the Arocs like fitting it with Rockinger couplings so it can be used for push-pull work with an 8-axle Goldhoffer modular trailer.
