Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
North-east independent builders’ merchant James Burrell has just ordered a further six new-generation Mercedes-Benz Arocs six-wheeler trucks.
The Gateshead-based company operates from a network of 10 branches located throughout the North-East and Yorkshire. Each day its 36 trucks – the majority of them 26-tonne Mercedes-Benz dropsiders with cranes – deliver in excess of 1,000 tonnes of material.
James Burrell has held Bronze accreditation from the Fleet Operator Scheme (FORS) for several years, but its sights are now set on the next, 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 Arocs are fitted with bodywork by Dependable Bodies, also of Gateshead, and rear-mounted Hiab cranes that work with brick and block grabs. Their 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines produce 235 kW (320 hp) and are proving impressively economical.
The muscular Mercedes-Benz Arocs is purpose-designed for construction-related applications. Supplied by Dealer Bell Truck and Van, James Burrell’s latest 2532 L models have ClassicSpace S-cabs and are easily distinguished from previous variants by the absence of mirrors. Instead, they are fitted with the manufacturer’s revolutionary MirrorCam system, which offers much-improved all-round visibility, as well as increased fuel-efficiency thanks to the compact and streamlined camera housings.
Other new features include the stylish Multimedia Cockpit, which replaces conventional switchgear with twin screens – the upgraded interactive version specified by James Burrell comes with a larger 12in instrument panel and extra functionality – and Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking technology.
The next six trucks, which are due to enter service next spring, will also be Arocs 2532 Ls with dropside bodies and cranes, but in a new departure they will have steered rear axles for enhanced manoeuvrability.
