‘Access All Areas’ for Smiths Bletchington

Oxfordshire-based aggregates supplier takes delivery of first Renault Trucks Tridem Off Road

OXFORDSHIRE-based aggregate producers and suppliers Smiths Bletchington have added the first Tridem to their fleet, a Renault Trucks C440 P8x4*4 Tridem Off Road. Also joining the new Tridem are two new C440 P8x4 Off Road tippers, emphasizing the company’s commitment to enhancing its fleet capabilities and meeting evolving customer needs.

Purchased from Sparks Commercial Services, the new Renault trucks join the company’s 38-strong tipper fleet and mark a significant milestone in Smiths Bletchington’s vehicle replacement programme. With all vehicles in the fleet now Euro 6 compliant, the move enhances the company’s operational efficiency whilst aligning with its sustainability goals.

The Tridem, equipped with a lifting and steering rear axle, will operate from Smiths Bletchington’s head office in Oxford, delivering to customers with tight access locations, whilst the C440s will be stationed at the company’s Ardley Dewars Farm Quarry. The new vehicles will all play a crucial role in transporting a variety of aggregates, including stone, limestone, and sand and gravel throughout Oxfordshire and the surrounding home counties.

Highlighting the significance of prioritizing vehicle longevity and fuel efficiency in the company’s selection process, Paul Needle, fleet manager at Smiths Bletchington, said: ‘We keep our vehicles for a long time, typically eight to 10 years, and we do a lot of research to ensure optimal suitability for our operational needs. We also undertake most of our own maintenance and residual value takes a back seat in our considerations.

‘Our evaluation revolves mainly around capital outlay versus running costs, factoring in miles/gal and overall performance on an annual basis. Our 2019 Renault trucks are achieving 8–8.5 miles/gal and we are anticipating reaching 9 miles/gal with the latest vehicles, demonstrating a significant improvement in fuel efficiency. This, combined with Renault trucks being competitively priced, made them first choice for our latest fleet additions.’

The new C440 tippers are all equipped with a Charlton Superlite aggregate body featuring automatic tailgate and fitted with a Dawbarn Wraptor sheeting system designed to keep the materials safe and dry. Powered by a 13-litre engine that delivers a maximum torque of 2,200Nm from 925–1,400 rev/min, the new vehicles are coupled to Renault Trucks’ proven 12-speed Optidriver ATO 2612 gearbox with automatic clutch.

For driver comfort, the vehicles’ day cabs have been enhanced with an adjustable, heated and ventilated ‘luxury’ driver’s seat, air-conditioning, leather steering wheel with cruise and telephone control, multi-compartment storage, and electric windscreen sun blinds.

As a FORS silver accredited operator, Smiths Bletchington have opted for an aftermarket-fitted Brigade Back Eye camera system that welds four different camera images into one drone-like image, providing the driver with full visibility around the perimeter of the vehicle.

The C440 8x4*4 Tridem Off Road is said to be one of the most manoeuvrable vehicles on the market and can be used on client jobs where access is difficult, as Paul Needle explained: ‘We have a wide selection of tippers that are used for different clients, but the four-wheeler is limited to carrying 10 tonnes, sometimes the eight-wheelers won’t fit, and the six-wheeler ‘might’ fit.

‘We weighed the Tridem this morning and, give or take a few kilos, it’s got the same carrying capacity as the 8x4s. The Tridem configuration offers our fleet real flexibility as it provides the manoeuvrability of a six-wheeler combined with a load capacity that is closer to that of an eight-wheeler, which helps with the profitability of our business.’

Mr Needle added: ‘We deliver to some weird and wonderful places where the Tridem comes into its own as it gives us better manoeuvrability and allows us to confidently access narrow roads and entrances without compromising on payload, and where a traditional eight-wheeler with its conventional-length wheelbase can struggle.

‘The ‘off-road’ versions of the vehicles allow us to cope with different types of challenging terrain, including landfill tips and farms in remote locations. The addition of all the new Renault trucks is an exciting step in our company’s development.’

The new vehicles have been secured on a two-year repair and maintenance contract with work carried out at Sparks Commercial Services in Swindon.