Metal Box to increase its fleet of Buffalos
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IN AN EFFORT to re-organise its transport operations, Metal Box Co Ltd has acquired the 500 syctem Leyland Blueline Buffalo Mk 3 tractive unit. The company plans to operate 60 of these 32-ton vehicles, which will give it one of the largest Buffalo fleets.
Metal Box carried out tests on vehicle operations which proved that an output of 149kW (200bhp) net would be required to maintain 80km/h (50mph) against a headwind and while pulling the company's existing semi-trailers.
More long-distance journeys from 18 factories are planned as part of the reorganisation and semi-trailers are being modernised with the introduction of 100 26.4 tonnes (26-ton) tandem-axle fifth-wheel York Tautliner models.
Fibreglass panels with 15cm (6in) curved edges will be added to the front of the trailers and illuminated nameboards have been contoured to the cab roofs to reduce wind resistance and improve fuel consumption.
Each Buffalo tractive unit is to be equipped with suspension seating, sound insulation, a fire extinguisher, a Dunlop Maxaret anti-jack-knife device and a twin speaker radio.