Mercedes-Benz Axor is Les Taylor’s tip for the top

Aberdeenshire demolition and construction contractor Les Taylor tipped a winner when he chose his latest pair of 8x4 trucks.

The Mercedes-Benz Axor 3243Ks were supplied to Mintlaw-based Les Taylor Contracts by Aberdeen dealer John R. Weir Truck & Van. Both are powered by 315kW (430hp) straight-six engines driving through light and simple nine-speed manual gearboxes, and fitted with steel tipping bodies by Boweld, of Holywell, Flintshire.

They have joined a fleet of 20 tippers which serve the demolition, construction, quarrying and civil engineering sectors. The Les Taylor Group also runs 15 tractor units, most of which haul bulk tipping trailers containing animal feed, grain and other agricultural products.

“We considered several types of vehicle but the Axors were the most competitively priced,” recalled Mr Taylor. “We wouldn’t have bought them, though, if we weren’t also confident that they would be up to scratch in terms of performance and reliability.

“Thankfully, we know from experience that we can trust Mercedes-Benz. We’ve been running one other Axor for three years and not only has it never given us any problems, it’s also proved popular with our drivers.”

And he added: “We’ve specified these latest vehicles with steel bodies because for our application, strength and durability are much more important than the extra few kilograms of payload we would gain by specifying aluminium tippers.

“The Mercedes-Benz chassis and drivetrain is extremely tough and well-built too, so we look forward to a long and dependable working life from these vehicles.”