A game of two halves Operators visiting Tip-ex earlier this
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month had split opinions on Euro-6's arrival Words: Will Shiers The imminent arrival of Euro-6 seems to have divided tipper operators' opinions, with half of the people CM spoke to at Tip-ex this month doing their utmost to avoid it and the other half choosing to embrace it.
"The only thing that's putting me off Euro-6 is the price," said Joe Morrison from JW Morrison Haulage. "They're talking about an extra five or six grand, enough for a decent holiday."
With this in mind, the Strathaven-based operator is buying Euro-5 tippers this year to delay any involvement with the next round of emissions regulations for as long as possible. He said he is impressed with the new Volvo FMX, which made its UK premier at the show, but added: "Volvo has shot its bolt too early in terms of Euro-6" after being told that the new model won't be available at Euro-5. However, Volvo told CM that a small number of right-hand-drive Euro-5 FMXs are available, and will be delivered at the end of the year.
Technology versus costs been unable to order any Euro-5 8x4 Landers with his desired wheelbase this year. Instead he opted for a six-wheel Lander and a Volvo FM eight-wheeler (which took pride of place on bodybuilder of choice Alliweld's Tip-ex stand). "The Volvo is basically the same truck anyway," he said. Bartlett was impressed with the new trucks on display at Tip-ex, although seemed slightly underwhelmed by the new FMX. While he thought it looked "pretty good" and had plenty of praise for the interior, he described it as an "update" and said he wished it had been given a new cab.
Russell Bateman (left) of Bruton, Somerset-based RH & AJ Bateman, was not scared of Euro-6. "Euro-6 is here, so let's get used to it," he said. "You've got to move with the times, and there's no point sticking your head in the sand." He was in the market for a new truck and was at Tip-ex to weigh up his options. Eight out of his 10-strong fleet are Renaults, and if he can get his hands on a new-shape Euro-6 Renault tipper for the right price, he would buy it. Bateman said he looked at both the Iveco Trakker and Mercedes Arocs at the CV Show in April, was impressed with both vehicles, and has expressed an interest in trialling a demonstrator with both manufacturers.
Tip-ex was Bateman's first chance to see the new FMX, which he said was a "step in the right direction". But, like Bartlett, he thought it should have received a new cab. "It's a shame that the FH gets a new cab, but the FM and FMX just get a tart-up," he said.
First chance Another operator looking to dodge Euro-6 for the time being was South Molton-based Nick Ager Haulage. Owner Nick Ager told CM he was "buying next year's trucks this year" so he could save money. Although he normally shies away from new models, as he would "sooner someone else experience any teething problems': he was impressed with the Mercedes-Benz Arocs. "But Mercedes can't give me a price yet, which is a bit embarrassing," he said.
But James O'Donnell of M O'Brien Plant Hire did not think the FMX needed a new cab. He liked the truck's appearance, but was more impressed with the new FH. Although he runs an all-Scania tipper fleet, the company uses Volvos for moving plant, and will take delivery of a new FH 540 in August. Although the new truck is Euro-5, he said this was purely because the replacement cycle dictated that it be purchased this year, and the company won't be changing its buying patterns as a result of Euro-6. •