MU 'cruiser for PDS
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by Bryan Jarvis • Barnsley-based PDS Liquid Bulk Haulage has taken the first Cummins M11-powered Seddon Atkinson Stratocruiser.
The unit will be used with PDS's latest TCL 35,000-litre tanker on solvent delivery work for Petrochem UK.
Powered by a 380hp version of Cummins' electronically controlled Mll engine, the Stratocruiser 17.380M is matched to an Eaton Twin Splitter and has an air-sprung rear axle and aluminium wheels.
It is also fitted with Pet Reg equipment for hauling solvents and working inside refineries PDS's six tanker trailers include the new seven-compartment stainless-steel elliptical spirit tanker, built by TCL of Brighouse, on RO-R tri-axle Flexair suspended running gear.
Williams Tanker Service of Batley added the unit's Drum Jupiter PTO pump, compressor and Emco outlet equipment.
PDS runs four other Stratos, all with 14-litre Cummins engines, but managing director Paul Smith is delighted with the Mll's performance. "On a recent 760-mile trip it returned over 8.81mpg," he says. "It's still fairly new and the figures can only improve."
The fleet runs on local and long-distance work as far afield as Peterhead near Aberdeen and Newquay in Cornwall.
Smith is also considering taking on continental schedules and may take another Strato with Jake brake.
"It's all down to striking a deal with my supplier, Knottingley Trucks," he explains.