First Renault Trucks for Explore Transport
New vehicles to operate around central section of HS2 and on general spot hire across the UK
AS part of a programme of significant growth within their truckmixer fleet, Explore Transport Ltd, specialist suppliers of transport and plant hire services, have added Renault Trucks to their vehicle line-up for the first time.
Supplied by Border Trucks, a total of eight Renault Trucks C430 8x4s – five with Day Cab, two with Day and Night Cab, and one High Sleeper – all equipped with eight cubic metre McPhee mixer bodies, have joined the 40-strong Explore Transport fleet, delivering ready-mixed concrete on the main works civils contracts for various customers across HS2, as well as on general spot hire across the rest of the UK. A further four C430s with Day and Night Cab are on order for delivery later this year.
Explaining why the Renault Trucks C was the vehicle of choice, John Whitehurst, head of mixers and heavy haulage at Explore Plant and Transport Solutions, said: ‘When making any decision around new trucks, we are always focusing on three key elements: driver experience, reliability, and back-up service. When we considered the requirements for these trucks and the nature of the work they are going to be doing, we felt the Renault Trucks option offered the best overall solution.
‘One of our prime purchasing considerations was the ongoing maintenance and servicing of the vehicles. We were impressed with the options offered by Border Trucks and felt assured that any downtime would be kept to a minimum. Stephen Whitehead, managing director of Border Trucks, was always on hand to answer any questions with confidence and helped to address any issues in a prompt and professional manner.’
Powered by Renault Trucks’ 11-litre engine, which produces 2,050Nm of torque and is coupled to an Optidriver ATO 2612F gearbox with automatic clutch, the C430s feature four-point cab air-suspension with ride-height control. Inside the cab, comfort was a key consideration, with a leather steering wheel as well as Renault Trucks’ ROADPAD audio, navigation, and entertainment system.
‘We worked closely with our customer to understand their requirements and the environments in which they will be operating,’ said Mr Whitehead. ‘Once we had a good understanding of this, it allowed us to choose a vehicle type that would match these needs. We felt that the Range C models were the best fit along with offering a high standard of driver comfort and safety.’
The new vehicles will initially operate around the central section of HS2, where Explore Transport are expecting to move significant volumes of material over the next 24–36 months. ‘The spec we have chosen gives us the flexibility to be compliant with a number of different customer and site requirements for safety and environmental standards, meaning they can be versatile and work in any location we need them,’ concluded Mr Whitehurst.
