WorkControl works Actros advantage

Based in the central New South Wales centre of Forbes, WorkControl is ramping up the asphalting side of its operation with three new Mercedes-Benz Actros trucks.

Hauling Etnyre Falcon tri-axle walking-floor trailers, the new Mercedes-Benz Actros 2653 prime movers join an overall fleet of 130 vehicles, the roadworks and traffic control company employing around 300 people across six locations throughout western New South Wales.

Founded by Kevin and Colleen Gunn with an initial emphasis on traffic control, WorkControl is now run by the couple’s sons, Ben and Joe, and recently moved into roadwork services. The expansion prompted the purchase of the three new Actros trucks, resplendent in striking artwork that celebrates the family’s proud Wiradjuri heritage.

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The trucks’ advanced safety features were a big influence over the family’s purchasing decision, with the prime movers equipped with the latest-generation autonomous braking system that can brake the vehicle to a complete stop for pedestrians as well as vehicles.

“Safety is at the very centre of everything we do at WorkControl,” says Ben Gunn.

“Keeping workers safe is the very reason our business exists, so it is only natural that we chose trucks like the Actros with all their safety gear.”

The Actros models were provided by Daimler Trucks Huntingwood by salesman Mark McKenzie, in conjunction with Troy Azzopardi from Muscat Trailers, who delivered the Etnyre Falcon trailers.

“We were very pleased to work with Troy and the team at Muscat Trailers, because we know their trailers are durable and tick all the OH&S boxes,” Mr Gunn says.

Powered by Mercedes-Benz’s 13-litre six-cylinder Euro 6 engine, the Mercedes-Benz Actros 2653 produces a claimed 530hp and 2600Nm. The engine is mated with a 12-speed automated manual transmission that features a special crawler gear for low-speed work, while the 33ft Etnyre Falcon live-bottom-floor trailers each have a 42-inch-wide conveyor belt that can empty a load in just half a rotation.

The patented system is said to have only low maintenance requirements, while these fully insulated trailers are designed to be among the lightest in their class, with twin rear barn doors and steep side walls to facilitate the easy discharge of their materials.