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NEWS
Vulcan Steel saves big with 'Benz
Melbourne-based metals supplier says its new Mercedes-Benz truck fleet delivers better safety, comfort and fuel economyVulcan Steel recently become the first Australian firm to take delivery of a new Mercedes-Benz rigid truck, with the Melbourne-based firm adding a 4x2 1630 model to its four existing 6x4 2646 prime movers.
Vulcan Steel's Victorian Operations Manager, Jim Michalopoulos, says the company has been impressed by the way the new-generation prime movers have performed since they joined the fleet early this year.
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He says the safety, fuel economy and comfort of the trucks have been the stand-out elements.
"We are seeing mega fuel savings; we estimate we save 10 to 12 per cent in fuel alone in the metro run," he says.
He has also been surprised by the lengthy service intervals.
"The time between servicing is a big plus for us; it means my trucks are off the road less, so we can use them more," he said.
Vulcan Steel decided to sign up for a maintenance contract with Whitehorse Truck Centre, which is located nearby.
"The Mercedes-Benz maintenance contract is well in front of the market at the moment," says Michalopoulos.
"My analysis shows that, over a 60-month period, it will deliver a huge saving for our company, with no surprises."
The trucks are proving popular with Vulcan's drivers, too.
"The drivers were part of the process of looking at the trucks before we made a decision," Michalopoulos says.
"They were all of the mindset that they wanted bonneted trucks, but every single driver, once they got into the Mercedes-Benz, said that we had to get it."
The trucks are winning hearts and minds for their comfort, their maneuverability, their excellent vision and their safety features – especially their adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking.
The four 6x4 prime mover 2646 models feature the new generation OM 470 11-litre six-cylinder that generates 455hp, linked up to a fully automated Powershift transmission, which now has an advanced crawler feature for easy low-speed work.
These trucks, which deliver various steel products, are hooked up to new Vawdrey extendable trailers that are compatible with the Mercedes-Benz technology, including braking systems, lighting and the axle weights (which are displayed inside the cab).
The new 1630 rigid model is fitted with a new OM 936 six-cylinder engine generating 300hp, which is connected to an eight-speed automated Powershift transmission. It operates with the Vulcan Stainless division and delivers various stainless products.
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Written byTrucksales Staff
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