New Mercedes-Benz Arocs for CW Russell Plant
Middlesbrough-based contractor invests in a trio of 8x4 Arocs from Bell Truck and Van
TWO years ago CW Russell did not run any Mercedes-Benz trucks but since then the three-pointed star emblem has risen and will soon account for half of the contractor’s 42-strong vehicle line-up.
The latest arrivals – three Arocs 8x4 tippers – were delivered to CW Russell’s Middlesbrough headquarters by Bell Truck and Van. All vehicles are 3240K models powered by 355kW (455hp) 10.7-litre ‘straight six’ engines and have ClassicSpace L sleeper cabs.
Previous Arocs tippers supplied to CW Russell featured day cabs with 320mm engine tunnels, which provide a lower driving position and fewer steps up to the cockpit. The new trucks, though, ride higher and have 170mm tunnels, to allow space for the under-bunk fridge. All the Arocs are covered by Mercedes-Benz ExtendPlus five-year warranties.
Fitted with steel Boweld bodies and Edbro front-end rams, the new tippers will be joined later this year by four more Arocs eight-wheelers and a trio of Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units, which again will be supplied by Bell Truck and Van.
CW Russell specialize in construction and ‘muckaway’ haulage, plant hire, and the supply of aggregates from their own crushing and screening plant. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in business later this year, Tom Russell, company director, commented: ‘Not so very long ago our fleet was dominated by trucks from another brand. Over time, though, we became less happy with them and started to look at alternatives. We tried several other options, but none gave us a level of toughness and reliability that we were happy with.’
He continued: ‘Two years ago, though, we took our first Arocs tipper from Bell Truck and Van and that was a revelation. The Arocs is built to a very high standard but, importantly, is also clearly designed with exactly our kind of work in mind – the high-ground clearance and suspension make it a very capable off-road performer.’
While many of Russell’s eight-wheelers are intended for local day work, the company is also making an increasing number of runs north into Scotland, as its latest tippers have been specified with sleeper cabs and fridges.
‘We’re very pleased with the total package – dependable and driver-friendly trucks with top-quality back-up from an attentive dealer – which explains why Mercedes-Benz is quickly taking over the lion’s share of our fleet,’ said Mr Russell.
