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A blown engine on a tractor unit proved a blessing in disguise for Carmarthenshire haulier M&M Greene – thanks to Mercedes-Benz dealer Euro Commercials (South Wales).
M&M Greene had never run a Mercedes truck before. But truck sales executive Steve Bastin, who works from Euro Commercials’ Swansea depot, stepped in and provided the family firm with a Mercedes Actros demonstrator to tide it over for six weeks, while its stricken, rival marque vehicle was repaired.
Director Mike Greene recalls: “We liked that Actros from day one and I was so grateful to Steve for his help that I told him when we were in a position to buy our next truck it would definitely be a Merc. I’m a man of my word so that’s exactly what we did.”
M&M Greene’s first Mercedes entered service in the spring of 2005. A 4x2 Actros 1850 Executive model, it boasts a 500hp V8 engine and range-topping, air-conditioned MegaSpace cab.
So pleased was M&M Greene with its Actros that a little over a year later it returned to Euro Commercials for a second, this time a 6x2 Actros 2554 Executive with 540hp powerplant and Autotrans automated transmission.
Both trucks are real head-turners, thanks to their Eminox vertical exhausts, alloy wheels, light bars, airhorns and chrome grille trims, as well as stunning paint jobs.
M&M Greene was founded 22 years ago by Mike Greene, his brother Mark, and their father Alan, who is still involved in the business. Based in Gorslas, near Cross Hands, it is a general haulier covering all of the UK and Ireland, although the bulk of its work is undertaken for Llanelli Sand Dredging.
The two Actros typically deliver jumbo bags of sand and gravel on flat-bed trailers to builders’ merchants throughout south and west Wales. They have joined a fleet that also comprises three other tractors – two ERFs and a DAF – and three rigid tippers: a Foden eight-wheeler, an ERF six-wheeler, and a Leyland DAF four-wheeler.
“I have been driving lorries for 22 years and the Actros is definitely the best yet,” affirms Mr Greene. “It’s a marvellous truck and very user-friendly, particularly the auto ’box which makes the driver’s life so easy. As for the power, with 540hp under my right foot there isn’t a hill that presents a problem.”
He continues: “Steve Bastin is more than a salesman and has also become a very good friend over the last couple of years, while the after sales team at Euro Commercials, Swansea, who service our vehicles overnight, are first-rate; nothing is too much trouble for them.”
M&M Greene is an enthusiastic participant in truck shows. Its 6x2 Actros won ‘Best Kept Mercedes tractor unit’ at this year’s Hereford Show, following on from last year’s event when its 4x2 Actros took top honours. |
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