Mercedes-Benz Arocs delivers Cadzow a new force in heavy haulage
Specialist abnormal load hauliers Cadzow Heavy Haulage Ltd has recently taken delivery of a new flagship – a mammoth Mercedes-Benz Arocs SLT 4163 which is plated for Special Types operation at 155 tonnes gvw.
Built by Mercedes-Benz at Wörth plant, the world’s largest truck production facility, as a specially prepared long wheelbase 6x4, the Arocs is powered by a 460 kW (625 hp) 15.6 litre Euro VI engine, which is capable of delivering 3000 Nm of torque from 1100 rpm. It was then transported to Mercedes–Benz Custom Tailored Trucks (CTT) at Molsheim, North Eastern France, where it was completed to 8x4 specification and the exacting needs of the customer.
As well as adding the extra steering axle, a heavy duty sliding fifth wheel and other ancillary equipment required for heavy haulage operation, Mercedes-Benz CTT mounted the batteries, exhaust stack and fuel pre-filters in the tower which is located on top of the chassis behind the cab. This tower also provides space for the 900-litre fuel tank, as well as the high capacity air and hydraulic oil tanks. An additional rear facing lighting system was also added.
Cadzow, based in Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, operates a fleet of 20 specialist vehicles, 9 of them Mercedes-Benz heavy haulage tractors from the previous Actros generation. Supplied by Bellshill dealer Western Commercials, the latest truck is the first SLT from the new-generation Arocs range to enter service in the UK.
“We took delivery of our first Mercedes-Benz Titan back in 2003 and at the time it was the first 250-ton 600 hp 4160 8x4 to enter service in the UK. Mercedes-Benz have always proved reliable and apart from the normal wear and tear items, they’ve never let us down,” said Cadzow Managing Director, Jim Macauley. “The new model Arocs SLT, with its automated transmission and Turbo Retarder Clutch, its modern looks and high level of driver comfort, takes heavy haulage tractor design to another level.
“Mercedes-Benz makes a good heavy haulage truck, which easily explains why most of the operators in this business choose them and why we have a further two more currently in build, another 155 and a heavier 250-tonner. The chassis is well built and very strong: one important feature is the gearbox to propshaft mounting which runs in a straight line to the first axle. This prolongs the life of the shaft and prevents any universal joint problems.”
Cadzow’s Arocs features a BigSpace 2500mm-wide sleeper cab that boasts numerous optional extras including climate control, leather massaging seats for both the driver and co-driver, comfort one-piece mattresses, tinted windows, electric sunroof, refrigerator and Bluetooth connectivity.
Mr Macauley, added, “Over the years our vehicles have moved some of the biggest abnormal loads seen on the UK’s roads and for this to happen you need a robust and trustworthy product. Our driver Campbell Stewart was heavily involved in the specification of this vehicle and it’s obvious that he is delighted with the truck. Following painting, the vehicle went on the road at the end of September and having just covered its maiden voyage early feedback is very encouraging indeed, fuel consumption is good and Campbell tells me the Turbo Retarder Clutch delivers excellent pinpoint accuracy, smooth gear change and incredibly strong braking.
“These trucks are built to meet the demands of heavy haulage and over the years we’ve tried all major brands and we’ve had some problems along the way with computers, propshafts and gearboxes. This Arocs, however, is one of the best heavy haulage trucks I have ever seen.”
Cadzow Heavy Haulage Ltd offer specialist transport services across Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and can provide a range of options for movements of up to 600 tonnes.
Operating from a 10-acre hard standing site, that includes workshops, overhead cranes and storage facilities, Cadzow is recognised as one of the UK’s most established abnormal load movers. The company works extensively across the mining and quarrying industry as well as construction plant and engineering sectors.
