I read with some wry amusement that Bromsgrove-based Waldrons Transport "Disregarded the debate over the different technologies used to achieve Euro 4 emissions limits, when choosing its latest truck." About time somebody did reckons Biglorryblog.
However, all is not what it seems dear BLB readers as this story is based on a press release from Mercedes and naturally they've put a little bit of 'spin' on it. For example, while it's perfectly true to say that Waldrons was driven by a simple desire to have a V8 in its new truck----naturally the PR people at Mercedes can't help mentioning the fact that while "Two truck manufacturers champion the rival EGR system, which needs no additives, it's only in their six-cylinder engines---and neither has yet produced a Euro-4 V8 that can run without AdBlue. And as Waldron's insists on V8 power for its top-weight tractor fleet, EGR is simply not an option."
Or to put it another way, seeing as Waldron's wanted a V8 they had a simple choice. A Scania with SCR or a Mercedes with...errr...SCR.
And in the end they went for the V8-powered Actros 2555, which like all Euro-4 and 5 Mercedes trucks, uses Selective Catalytic Reduction and AdBlue to clean its exhaust emissions. However, BLB can't help wondering what would have been the outcome if Scania had got its eagerly-awaited EGR V8, which it's promising to have in time for Euro-5, ready now. And there's also talk (though for the moment it IS only talk) of MAN's mighty 680 V8 'Big-Banger' getting EGR for Euro-5. We'll have to wait and see.
Meanwhile click through here for a bit more on Waldron's very smart Actros---with some nice Kelsa bling in the front guys!
The 550hp Actros, with a flat-floored MegaSpace cab, was supplied by Merc dealer Mudie-Bond and replaces a V8 Actros 2548, which provided reliable service for seven years.
“We bought our first Actros tractors in 2000 and they quickly proved cost-effective,” Director Brian Waldron, who runs the company with his brother, Graham, tells BLB
“We were so impressed that we bought another two without even looking elsewhere. We’ve been very happy with all our Mercedes – seven years of reliable running proves they are well up to the job.”
Waldron’s runs 15 tractor units and specialises in transporting fork-lift trucks for manufacturers such as Jungheinrich, Still, Nissan, Hyster and Linde. Its trucks work with custom-built step-framed curtainsiders by King, Miles Nunn and Andover Trailers, and cover the entire UK.
“Our rigs are heavy – about 19 tonnes unladen – and go everywhere from Scotland to Cornwall,” says Mr Waldron. “So we always specify powerful V8 engines and large, comfortable cabs. “Our vehicles must take the job in their stride and provide a comfortable environment for our drivers, and we also have an eye on the resale market, where highly-specified trucks hold much more value.”
And a V8 with a bit of bling that's been well looked after shouldn't hang around too long in the used truck market now should it?