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Decisions, decisio
Page 30
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Who's buying what — and why? As part of our review of buying patterns, we look at how four operators chose their latest purchases
DEALS ON WHEELS
Volvo For its 40th anniversary, John Wade Haulage decided to go for something a bit special, and there aren't many tractors out there that will eclipse Volvo's mighty FH16.
Wade, who founded the company while working as atter when he was 21, says: "It's a great truck and the drivers love it. We chose it because we have a good relationship with Volvo Truck in Darlington."
The 6x4 tractor comes with Globetrotter XL cab in Prestige trim and the 610hp version of the D160 engine. But its high-profile status does not mean it will be shirking responsibilities; its already being used for a variety of heavy-duty tasks with a company Mose activities include plant hire, transport, aggregates, waste services and demolition. See Roacitest, page 44 A new tractor on the market will always attract attention, so Knights of Old has decided to go for two, The Scania R-series Topline Is about as new as it gets, and the Kettering-based operator has taken delivery of some of the first units in the country. Supplied by Derek Jones Commercials of Wellingborough, both vehicles are 420hp twin-steers; one of them is equipped with Scania's Opticruise auto gear selection system.
Paul Abbot, Knights of Old's director of transport, says: "The new trucks will be working on general duties, both nationally and internationally, with the drivers spending an average of two or three nights out a week. Therefore, the living accommodation is extremelylmportant to them and I am pleased to report they are delighted with their new vehicles."
MAN
If you want to stand out from the crowd ifs best to portray a positive image. That was one reason why Wild International selected 12 top-of-the-range MAN TGA 6x2 tractors, complete with luxury XXL cabs. The 460hp 26.463FPLRS chassis will join 12 other TGAs on Wild's temperature-contrd led distribution fleet, operating out of the company's Worcestershire base.
"We recrutt drivers of atop calibre," says a spokesman. "Just as they represent the company by wearing untforms, they require the best vehicles coupled with modern technology to optimise productivity"
When it comes to buying decisions, fuel economy will always be an issue, especially when it comes to tractor units. Parcel carrier ANC was looking for an average of 11mpg and ERF obliged with its ECT 11,42ST 4x2 tractor. A batch of 38 are based at locations throughout the UK.
Hal Wilson, transport general managerfor ANC, says: 'Our strategy has always been to use no more than three marques in the fleet, with ERF compieting the trio. Our f irst priority was to select a veh de capable of achieving 11mpg when running at 28 tonnes."
All units are powered by Cummins hSMe dual-rated electronic smart power (ESP) engines, which allows drivers to operate them at a highly economical 345hp. With a payload on board, or if the truck senses an increase in gradient, the ESP engine will deliver its full 420hp.