Cement manufacturer Lafarge is in the process of evaluating a Mercedes-Benz Actros 2444 and Axor 2443 against similarly specified vehicles from MAN, Scania and DAF to work on its bulk cement operation.
The evaluation exercise will run throughout 2009 and will look at truck performance, fuel economy, reliability, driver preference and back-up service.
In response to changing operational demands, Lafarge has revised its traditional specification and chosen tractors with small-wheeled mid-lift axles, sleeper cabs and chassis-mounted air compressors.
Andrew Brodley, Lafarge Cement UK's transport manager, says: "Historically, we ran 6x2 twin-steer tractors with day cabs; the majority being DAF. However, it was timely to see whether this specification still met the current demands of our business.
"Our distribution schedule is mainly localised, but fitting a sleeper 
cab improves a truck's resale value. It's still too early to tell which truck is the favourite and we'll only get a clearer picture towards the end of the year. Also, we move the trucks around the country to service different depots so they will be tested in both hilly and flat terrain."
Brodley says that Lafarge is looking to move to the new spec in order to maximise payload and cut wasted mileage. "We're looking to these new tractor specifications, alongside their modifications, to increase our average 29.5-tonne payload."
The new mid-lift axle on the 6x2 tractors can reduce gross vehicle weight by 250kg thanks to the 17.5in wheels, as opposed to 22.5in wheels on a conventional mid-axle.
Lafarge, which runs 113 tractor units and bulk powder tanker trailers, will replace a significant portion of its fleet through 2010 and 2011 after the lease on the current crop of five-year-old vehicles expires.