New IVECO X-WAY for Springbridge Direct
Springbridge Direct take delivery of new IVECO X-WAYs for aggregate and turf bulk supplies
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE-based turf, topsoil, and aggregates suppliers Springbridge Direct have taken one of the UK’s first new IVECO X-WAYs. Joining the new WAY range of heavy trucks, the IVECO X-WAY is said to embody the ideal cross-over between comfortable on-road driving and off-road robustness.
Family-run Springbridge currently run 19 heavy trucks, 18 of which are IVECO. Supplied by long-standing IVECO dealers Northern Commercials, in Hildenborough, the new vehicle is the first of their new-generation IVECOs to arrive, but notably, is slightly different to their normal 8x4 tipper-grabs.
The on-road homologated AD350X46Y/PS ON has been decked out by Colliers Truck Bodies with a flat-bed and rear-mounted Palfinger PK.501 SLD5 crane, destined for work on the turf, pallet and bulk bag delivery arm of the Springbridge business.
Until now, the company has relied on an artic and two 44-tonne IVECO drawbar units for this, however the new truck allows much easier access to a wider variety of locations, both business and private. The 8x2x6 axle configuration means that the rearmost steering axle can be pneumatically lifted, minimizing wear on lighter runs, maximizing payload on heavier jobs, yet affording the driver precision manoeuvrability despite its sizeable 6,050mm wheelbase.
Powering the truck is IVECO’s 11.1-litre Cursor 11, in this case supplying 460hp and 2,150Nm through a 12-speed Hi-Tronix automated gearbox. A hydraulic ZF NH/4C power take-off pump takes care of the auxiliary body equipment, while IVECO’s patented HI-SCR exhaust system deals with particulates without the need for high-temperature stationary forced filter regenerations.
Adding to the clean and simple white and black bodywork, the truck is fitted with the Premium Style Pack which brings chassis-mounted air horns, aluminium air tanks, an external sun visor and colour-coding to the X-WAY’s standard-fit steel-reinforced ‘hybrid’ front bumper. It also features servo-assisted cab tilting, LED hazard beacons, rear cab windows, Alcoa Diamant alloy wheels, and a 7in touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, smartphone mirroring and TomTom LIVE truck-biased navigation.
As Springbridge Direct often operate within London, a FORS Gold accreditation mandates fitment of a full suite of safety equipment, so the new truck is fully complemented by under-run protection bars, illuminated cyclist warning boards, audible turn warnings, a side-scan system and 360cameras.
‘What brought us to the IVECO brand was the value for money, buying ex-Clancy Docwra Trakkers about 15 years ago. In 2016, we were after some brand-new trucks, and they introduced us to Andrew Smith at Northern Commercials who I’ve been dealing with ever since. I haven’t bought any new trucks from anyone else since then,’ commented Springbridge’s operations director, John Keating.
‘Our latest IVECO X-WAY looks very smart and has a fantastic payload too, near on 20 tonnes. Northern Commercials give a great level of service and offer very good back-up support.’
The company has a five-year replacement strategy, with this and two more new IVECO X-WAYs due in March replacing a handful of 300,000km 65-plate Trakkers.
Commenting on the handover, Gareth Lumsdaine, IVECO UK’s heavy business-line director, said: ‘Taking the best of the new WAY range and adding in extra toughness, IVECO X-WAY makes for a comfortable, reliable and hard-working truck for operator and driver, whether they’re pounding smooth tarmac or mud-plugging across rutted construction sites.
‘Springbridge have sampled its forefathers over many years and we’re pleased that the new lightweight but heavy-duty chassis is paying dividends already.’
