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So impressed was walking floor trailer specialist Baxters with the fuel returns from its first Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor unit that it returned a year later with an order for four more.
Its latest trucks, the first two of which have just entered service, are powered by 480hp BlueTec® Euro 5 engines, mated to new 12-speed Mercedes PowerShift automated transmissions. All Actros 2548 models, they have range-topping, flat-floored MegaSpace cabs and are also equipped with FleetBoard telematics systems.
The new Mercedes employ SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) technology to clean emissions and, because they are also fitted with NOx sensors, attract Reduced Pollution Certificates. These bring £500 annual savings in Vehicle Excise Duty for the life of each truck.
In contrast to Euro 5 products launched recently by two rival manufacturers that employ the alternative Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system to reduce emissions, BlueTec® SCR Euro 5 technology by Mercedes-Benz has already been proven over many millions of miles by operators both in the UK and on the Continent.
James Baxter Haulage is based in Ellistown, Leicestershire, and bought its Actros from Leicester dealer Mertrux. Founded in 1994, Baxters leads the field in the transportation of recycled products using purpose-designed trailers with walking floors.
Managing Director James Baxter explains: “Walking floors offer unparalleled flexibility. They offer a huge 125 cubic yard capacity and adapt to suit the movement of all types of load, including paper, glass, tyres, plastic, wood chip, aggregate and profuels.”
Baxters, which operates a mixed-marque fleet of 16 tractor units, bought its first, Euro 3 Mercedes Actros in the spring of 2006. “It’s gone very well, particularly in respect of its fuel consumption,” says Mr Baxter.
“The Merc has been returning 7.7mpg at 44 tonnes. This may not sound a lot but you have to remember that the engine is running for a lot of the time when we’re stationery, because we use the PTO to tip the trailer. In fact, 7.7mpg puts it right up there with the best on the fleet, while that truck has also given us no trouble at all.”
Commenting on his decision to skip Euro 4 and go straight to Euro 5 vehicles, Mr Baxter continues: “The VED rebates will certainly be welcome, as will the enhanced residual values that our new trucks are sure to command, compared to their Euro 4 equivalents.
“But the main reason is that we’re in the recycling business, so we want to minimise our own carbon footprint and promote our ‘green’ credentials at every opportunity.”
Baxters’ trucks travel throughout most of England, collecting recyclables from local authorities and other customers, and delivering to recycling points. Its trucks also distribute finished products such as paper, after they been recovered and re-made.
Mr Baxter adds: “We’ve had too many brands on the fleet and I’m now looking to consolidate around two marques. Things are going well with Mertrux, who do all our servicing and inspections on Friday nights, so I confidently expect one of those two marques to be Mercedes-Benz.” |
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