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Peterborough-based TGA Haulage is adding another two Mercedes-Benz eight-wheeler Arocs to its fleet after being impressed by the vehicles' running costs and the "amazing" aftersales service from dealer Intercounty Truck and Van.

These latest additions are part of an ongoing fleet refresh which has seen the company phase out one brand of trucks in favour of Mercedes Benz vehicles. TGA currently operates seven Arocs of which most are standard 32-tonne 8x4s. However the line-up also includes an ENA model with single front steer axle, double-drive bogie and rear-steer axle, and a 6x4 26-tonner.

The two mixers are both 3243 variants and come with a full complement of advanced technology including MirrorCam. Other standard-fit equipment includes Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking with pedestrian-recognition capability, and the enhanced Predictive Powertrain Control system, which manages gear changes and ensures that full use is made of the Mercedes PowerShift 3 transmission’s Eco Roll function to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

The trucks also come with Multimedia Cockpit,which is  interactive and is an upgraded version of Mercedes-Benz Trucks’ twin screen dashboard, boasting a larger, 12 inch instrument panel, as well as satellite navigation.

TGA’s new Arocs also have StreamSpace2.3m sleeper cabs which, and are finished with colour-coded bumpers and grilles and have Dura-Bright alloy wheels which reduce weight.

The trucks’ 10.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines produce 315 kW (428 hp) and drive through 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated manual transmissions. Their 7.5m3 drums are by Motherwell-based McPhee Mixers.

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Owner Tom Allen said: "I like the idea of uniformity within the fleet, and the Arocs is now firmly established in my mind as the best vehicle for our kind of work. It’s beautifully put together and a real pleasure to drive, particularly the latest examples, which are loaded with technology that makes life safer and more comfortable for the individual at the wheel.

“I’m a big fan of MirrorCam, which provides much improved visibility. The images from the roof-mounted cameras remain crisp and clear, even when it’s raining, which means you no longer have the hassle of wiping the water and road debris from standard wing mirrors.”

He continued: “Factor in the Mercedes-Benz truck’s fuel-efficiency and attractive overall running costs, and the high ground clearance that gives it a big advantage when working on rough terrain, and it all adds up to a very compelling proposition.”

Allen, who founded TGA Haulage in 2014, said the aftersales service was another key factor in his decision. “Truck sales executive Paul Hind looks after me really well, while his colleagues at Intercounty Truck & Van’s workshop here in Peterborough are nothing short of amazing,” he said.

He added: "The Arocs is supremely reliable but you’ll always get the occasional breakdown. Crucially, the dealer’s team understand how important it is for a small-scale operator like me, to avert the crisis that can result from unplanned vehicle downtime.

“They’ve been a lifeline on more than one occasion, providing fast, efficient roadside assistance and coming up with temporary fixes that have kept me on the road until issues could be fully resolved.

“Great customer service is all about the personal touch, and in my experience nobody does it better than Intercounty Truck & Van.”

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