Mercedez-Benz supplies 28 Actros tractor units to help deliver Tarmac cement

14 March 2019

Mercedes-Benz went head-to-head with two other manufacturers for Abbey Logistics’ latest fleet order for 28 Actros tractor units.

Operating throughout the UK and Europe, Abbey Logistics provides haulage and logistics services covering bulk liquids and powders for customers across a wide variety of sectors. Most of its new trucks are now distributing cement regionally for Tarmac in Scotland.

Key to the Mercedes-Benz's success in winning the breakthrough order was the fact that despite being bigger and more spacious, the Actros with its aerodynamic, 2.3m-wide StreamSpace cab was also some 400kg lighter than either of its competitors – a major advantage given the payload-critical nature of its customer's operations.

These are also the first trucks to wear the three-pointed star feature small-wheeled (17.5in) mid-lift axles which save around 300kg compared to the standard version with 22.5in wheels, while also freeing up valuable space on the chassis for discharge equipment.

All 28 trucks are powered by top-rated 335kW (455hp) versions of the second-generation, 10.7l OM 470 straight-six engine. The operator trialled a demonstration unit, which proved impressively fuel-efficient, and having entered service the trucks are living up to its promise, with above average mile per gallon returns.

Abbey Logistics runs a fleet of some 400 tractor units as well as 550 liquid and powder tank trailers.