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KING AN ERC DELIVER OR EXTE
Page 64
Page 65
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For one specialist
manufacturer, running
its own transport
operation is the best
way to ensure its
goods are delivered on time. Simon
Tweed reports. Extec is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of stone-crushing and screening equipment, building and delivering around 25 units each week from its Derbyshire base.
The majority of its production is destined for export through a variety of UK ports; only about eight a month find homes in the UK.
With customers around the world and the machines costing up to .f240,000, reliable delivery is vital — Extec firmly believes that running its own transport operation is the best way to guarantee its customers get their machines on time and in tip-top condition. To meet its exacting transport requirements, Extec has invested in four Mercedes-Benz Actros 26.5806x4 tractor units.Three are based in this country, the fourth operates from its German depot.The 580hp right-hookers are thought to be the only ones in the UK. They were bought,along with a number of Sprinter vans, from a specialist dealer in Germany.
Clocking up around 80,000km each a year, the Mercs are returning 4-4.5 mpg. While the average haulier would hold up his hands in horror at such a low figure it has to be seen in context, as Extec transport manager Carl Blamire explains:" Our number one priority is to get the machines into the hands of our customers as promptly and efficiently as possible. While fuel consumption is, of course, a consideration, it is not the be-all and end-all. It is far more important that we deliver on time and that the equipment arrives in good condition.
80 tonnes maximum Blamire adds:" You also have to bear in mind that these outfits are running up to a maximum of 80 tonnes.
"We don't swap drivers between trucks and we don't employ any agency driversif one of our drivers is off for any reason, his truck doesn't move."
There is good reason for this, he explains: "Moving expensive and heavy pieces of kit requires a very high degree of expertise and experience. Our drivers are second to none when it comes to their knowledge and we would never compromise by using an unknown agency driver."
Although Blamire is happy with the Melts' performance, he is looking at alternatives and a possible move to even more power. Currently he has the new MANTGX in his sights, but he is also taking a long hard look at Volvo.
To help with manoeuvrability on site and in city centres, Extec has also recently taken delivery of a King MTSE 7815 centre-spine, live-axle, step-frame trailer.
Power steering The new trailer features a hardwood deck an neck flooring, heavy-duty steel underlay on the outer deck bays, a beavertail and ramps.
All four rear axles have power steering with remote manual override, and the first axle lifts to reduce tyre wear when running unladen. r