Northern Scotland's first muscular Mercedes-Benz Arocs tippers have entered service in the colours of operators ASW Aberdeen and D&E Mackay (Contractors).
The two companies placed their orders after directors attended an Arocs launch event in Germany last year as guests of Dealer Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles Aberdeen, at which they were able to put models from "The new force in construction" through their paces on a challenging off-road course.
ASW's 8x4 Arocs 3240 is powered by a 290 kW (394 hp) 10.7-litre engine, while Kintore-based DE Mackay opted for a 6x4 Arocs 2636 model, with a 265 kW (360 hp) powerplant. Both trucks meet Euro VI emissions regulations and came fitted as standard with latest-generation Mercedes PowerShift automated transmissions.
Ron Fowlie, from surfacing specialist ASW, says: "We're a small, family-owned business and this vehicle represents a big investment for us. It's our first Mercedes-Benz and the biggest vehicle we've operated by some margin. We also run another couple of trucks at 18 and 7.5 tonnes gvw, but when we've needed an eight-wheeler previously we've always hired one. Recent business growth meant we felt the time was now right to invest in a 32-tonne truck of our own."
He continues: "The dealer's Truck Sales Manager Andrew Rennie took us over to Germany for the Arocs launch, where we saw at first hand just how capable the truck is. It also appears to be better finished than most other vehicles we've seen."
D&E Mackay is a roadworks, drainage, and civil engineering contractor with a fleet of seven trucks, many of which already wear three-pointed stars - the company's first Arocs replaces an older six-wheeler that's been stood down after seven years of reliable service.
"We've never had an issue with Mercedes-Benz," says Director Steven Mackay. "Our very first vehicle, more than 25 years ago, was a tough little 307D pick-up and every one since then has been solid and well-built,"
"Given the product's track record for reliability and durability, and the fact that Andrew Rennie and his team have been very proactive since Mercedes-Benz Commercial Vehicles took over the franchise in Aberdeen, the Arocs was always going to be at the top of our shopping list. Being able to see the vehicle up close in Germany, and experience its highly impressive capabilities, only served to confirm that position."
The Mercedes-Benz Arocs range comprises tractors and four-, six- and eight-wheeled rigids, with gross weights from 18 to 250 tonnes. All combine previously unseen levels of performance and efficiency, with state-of-the-art Euro VI engines that offer mpg savings of up to 5% compared to equivalent, outgoing models.