Bradford-based plant hire and groundworks specialist Buntons commissioned one of the UK’s first Euro VI-engined Mercedes-Benz Arocs following the model’s launch in 2014, and has been buying them ever since.
The family-owned operator has just taken delivery from Northside Truck & Van of three more 8×4 Arocs 3243s – two tippers and a tipper-grab. They are now working alongside the eight 32-tonners supplied by the manufacturer’s Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire Dealer last year.
Key to the appeal of the purpose-designed construction chassis for Buntons are its payload allowance and popularity with drivers, and the customer-focused back-up from Northside’s Bradford branch.
The family-owned operator was founded in 1970 and undertakes landscaping, excavations, civil engineering and utilities projects for private and public sector clients of all sizes, including major names such as Balfour Beatty and Morgan Sindall. It also runs an extensive plant hire and sales operation.
“We have our own workshop so look after the routine inspections and maintenance in house,” explained Director Rob Hall. “But the trucks go back to Northside for any warranty issues – the Dealer is on our doorstep and the work is carried out overnight, which means we don’t incur any downtime.”
Buntons has traditionally favoured a Swedish truck brand. “The Mercedes-Benz eight-wheeler was always a good, strong product and this is certainly true of the Arocs, but the new model also has a very competitive carrying capacity,” said Mr Hall.
Its latest trucks are powered by 10.7-litre 315 kW (428 hp) straight-six engines that drive through Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmissions. Fitted with heavy-duty steel bodies by Boweld, they nevertheless offer impressive, 19,300 kg payloads.
The muscular Arocs undertake most of their work within a one-hour radius of Bradford; the tipper-grab, which is fitted with a Palfinger Epsilon crane and clamshell bucket, has provided additional capability.
Mr Hall continued: “The Arocs is right up there with the best in terms of fuel efficiency, while our drivers are also very happy with their Mercedes-Benz trucks. They particularly appreciate the lightness of the controls and the smooth, flexible automated gearbox.”
Buntons is committed to running a modern fleet and usually moves its vehicles on after just two years. “This means that while the trucks are in service we’re always covered by the manufacturer’s hassle-free warranty,” he added. “The residual values are strong too. We’ve stood down three Arocs so far – two went back to Northside in part-exchange against new vehicles and we sold the third privately for a sum we were very happy with.”
