Electricity distributor, Western Power Distribution, has taken delivery of two new MAN TGM 18.250BB 4x4 rigids. The vehicles will be used for general off-road maintenance work throughout the Midlands, South Wales and the South West. A third truck of the same specification is also in build and will be delivered shortly.
The latest TGMs feature 250PS Euro 5 engines, day cabs, MAN TipMatic automated gearboxes, and drop-side body work by Wessex Vehicle Services. The trucks are fitted with Atlas Terex, 120.2/A4L cranes.
The company now has over 40 MAN 4x4s on its fleet including a number of 2003 MAN M2000s which are still providing reliable service. More recently, Western Power trialled a TGM with an MAN TipMatic automated gearbox, which lead to the acquisition of the latest TGMs with the company saying.
"We were a little sceptical of an auto-box for off-road operation," said Paul Tucker, Fleet Specifications Engineer, at Western Power. "but, the MAN TipMatic system has performed well and has helped to improve fuel consumption and reduced operating costs. I don't think we will return to manual gearbox operation now."
Superior build quality and reliability were also key requirements for Western Power; qualities the company has found inherent in all its MAN acquisitions.
"Our first MAN purchase was back in 2003," continued Paul Tucker, " at the time MAN was the only manufacturer to offer a dedicated 4x4 middleweight. The first trucks that we purchased are still delivering reliable servce nearly 10 years later. Today, the TGM has evolved into a well-proven truck with reliability built-in."
Western Power Distribution is the primary electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South Wales and the South West, employing 6,000 staff. The company delivers electricity to over 7.6 million customers over a 55,300 sq kms service area. The network consists of 216,000 kms of overhead lines and underground cables, and 184,000 substations.