Scania R-series Highline users
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Fagan & Whalley Operations manager Daniel Wood reports that Fagan & Whalley (E&W) first considered the Highline Scania in 2006, when it was looking to procure 10 new tractors.
The decision was made to obtain a more 'fleet-spec' tractor differing from our previous Toplines, because the the plan was to double-shift a majority of them during their first two years. Most of our Highline tractors are 6x2 mid-lift steers, although we do have four 4x2s as well."
With its first Highlines entering operation in August of that year, Wood says: The general consensus is that their overall reliability is much improved over previous models. We've had far fewer warranty claims — the only issues regarding reliability have been failure of the 'Hall Sensors' several times, although on more recent vehicles, it has been rectified. Fuel economy has been good, too, meeting our expectations with averages [of] around 8.2mpg — a notable increase over the older 4-series."
Wood endorses Scania's use of EGR: "It's very important to F&W. We like EGR because AdBlue and SCR technology is a fundamental non-requirement to our operation (at present), and, as a long-term Scania user, we're more than happy it continues to use EGR.
"Moreover, we've yet to see significant evidence of any major differences in fuel consumption between the two technologies, and with EGR we don't need a separate tank within the depot or an AdBlue supplier."
Cost was another consideration for F&W when it was comparing the Highline with the Topline. The company saved around £2,000 per unit against the taller Topline.
Changing operating patterns have also resulted in many of its drivers needing to spend fewer nights out. "We found the Highline Cabs to be a suitable middle-ofthe-road option," says Wood. "They're up to the usual high Scania standard and their condition after several years' work is testament to the quality of the product.
"The vehicles are maintained for the first two years under the Scania 2+2 Option, thereafter they're transferred to our own maintenance control once this has expired. Were delighted with the service we get from our local dealer, Preston Scania, with whom we've developed a fantastic working relationship over the years. Parts prices are reasonable, and we have done many comparison checks against other models and marques."
Despite some initial negative feedback, Wood says: "We've stuck with Opticruise and now. following more than 10 years' use, the drivers are accustomed to them, our workshops are used to servicing them, and we spec them as standard across the fleet." Wood concludes: "We're absolutely delighted with the Highline cab; it is perfect for our operation, so much so that it is now the standard spec cab across our fleet. We've now got more than 30 units (including three rigids). Despite the recession, we continued our fleet replacement programme last year after a 12-month 'sabbatical'. We took advantage of the numerous cancelled orders available, taking on 10 new tractor units, with six having the Highline, including our first with the new R440 Euro-5 engine, which we're monitoring closely against the fuel returns of the standard 420 engines in the fleet. And in line with our second-hand purchase policy, the R420 Highline 6x2 tractor is the unit we look to source."
The Day Group
The Day Group is based in London and the South-East. It operates 100 HGV tippers from 18-tonnes through to 44-tonne artic bulkers. It has 12 locations, eight of which are railheads; they all handle aggregates imported into London from various sources around the UK.
The company also operates a wharf in south-east London and six state-of-the-art recycling plants that crush, screen and wash construction and demolition waste, glass and incinerator bottom ash to produce high quality, but sustainable aggregates.
CJ Burgess a division of Day Group operates 20 of the bulk tippers, transporting aggregate and grain throughout the UK. The artic tractor part of the fleet is predominantly supplied by Volvo with a handful of DAFs, but an opportunity was taken last March to acquire two Scania twin-steer R480 Highlines.
Transport operations manager Chris Cooling reports: "Since entering service, they've topped our mpg league table for this vehicle type, with returns of 7.8mpg being achieved regularly. No major mechanical failures have occurred, but an ongoing problem with steering bail joints remains unresolved by Scania "All servicing and repairs are carried out by our own workshop. They report that the vehicle is easy to work on. However, whereas all other dealers operate a
parts-delivery service twice per day. Scania's are only daily, and this can cause delays at times."
Cooling adds: "The two trucks in service are Euro-4 EGR, so no AdBlue is needed. This is helpful because it's difficult to source supplies when vehicles are away from their base four nights per week."
He continues; "The Highline cab was specified over the Topline because the vehicles often load grain from rural farms, so the higher cab would suffer damage from low branches in country lanes. The regular drivers of both trucks are happy with the amount of cab space in the Highline; and driver feedback on the Opticruise transmission has been very positive."
Cooling adds: "Day Group considers Scania every time there is an order to place. But competitive prices are only offered occasionally. When pricing is agreeable, there's every chance that Scania trucks will be purchased."