Iveco Stralis makes in-roads into one of the largest 26 tonne fleets

SIG plc, which operates one of the largest fleets of 26 tonne trucks in the UK, has taken delivery of a new Iveco Stralis AD260S31YP/S from Blackwell-based distributor Sherwood Commercials.

The Stralis 6x2 rigid, which benefits from rear air-suspension and a rear-steering axle, joins thirty similar vehicles already in operation. The rear-steering axle aids the vehicle’s manoeuvrability , enabling the Stralis to access construction sites in central London where access for commercial vehicles is often very restrictive.

“Our truck fleet has traditionally consisted primarily of DAF and Mercedes-Benz vehicles, but the Stralis is starting to make in-roads based on its proven performance and reliability,” says Bob Ganley, Fleet Manager at SIG plc.

“Drivers have given us a lot of positive feedback on the automated EuroTronic gearbox, which performs particularly well in cities and in congested urban areas. These core strengths mean we are positioning a large number of Stralis’ in Greater London, where the amount of construction and refurbishment means there is a strong demand for our insulation, roofing and commercial interior supplies,” he adds.

The new Stralis will be in operation up to six days a week and is expected to remain on the fleet for between six and seven years, covering up to 80,000 km a year. It is powered by a 7.8 litre Cursor 8 engine, developing up to 310 hp between 1,675 and 2,400 rev/min and up to 1,300 Nm of torque between 1,200 and 1,675 rev/min.

As with all Euro 4 and Euro 5 Stralis models sold in the UK, this vehicle features Iveco’s latest EuroTronic AS1420 TD gearbox, which sees the gear change controls incorporated into the dashboard on the right-hand steering column stalk, further improving cab ergonomics and making gear changes even easier for the driver.

This latest vehicle is fitted with a 26ft curtainside body and is the first in the fleet to be fitted with the new Moffett Mounty ‘M5’, which is unique in offering the ability to load and unload from the same side of the vehicle. It is also 500kg lighter than the model it replaces, offering a significant increase in the vehicle’s payload capacity.

Mounted on the rear of the chassis, the Moffett ensures no loss of load space and allows the driver the independence of being able to load and unload the vehicle at building sites, without having to wait for a forklift truck to become available.

SIG plc is the leading international specialist supplier to the construction, building and industrial markets. The Group has four core business sectors: insulation, roofing, commercial interiorsand specialist construction & safety products. Every day it delivers brand leading products to many thousands of customers from over 500 trading locations across the UK, Ireland and Mainland Europe.