Carlisle’s Heathfield Haulage has put a stunning new Range T520 High 6×2 tag axle tractor unit into service working across the UK. Owner-driver Paul Irving selected the top spec’ T High, supplied by local Renault Trucks dealer Border Trucks, for its comfortable, well-appointed living and working environment, and for its striking on-road presence.
Paul started his driving career in 1996 on fridge work before striking out as an owner driver on timber haulage. “My previous truck was a Renault Trucks Range T520 tag, it’s a fantastic forestry truck with the excellent traction that you need working in that terrain. It was still performing well as it came up to five years old so I did look into an R&M, but it was more beneficial to go for a new one – the new T High is a little bit of luxury for myself!
“Now I’m working on more general and flatbed haulage, currently for Tweddles of Longtown, I’m away five to six days a week spending four to five nights in the truck. When I’m parked up on a night, the flat floor makes such a difference, there’s plenty of living room in the cab. I had a Magnum back in 2000 and this really is the next generation, it’s a brilliant lorry to live in.”
By his own admission, Paul’s new T High is a real head turner. Resplendent in Renault Trucks’ oceanic blue paint with colour-matched cab components including front bumper, corner pieces and steps, it features Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheels, twin airhorns, metallic spotlights, nameboard and personalised number plate. The chequer plate infill and side skirts are by D&D fabrication, Carlisle, with all non-factory colour-matched paintwork by Chris Wilson of Van Wonders in Longton. Adding an elegant finishing touch to the livery are the names of Paul’s wife, Nicole, and granddaughters Scarlett and Annabell.
Equally impressive inside, Paul’s T High’s cab comes with Ultimate Carbon Finish and is spec’d for comfort. The air-suspended, leather-trimmed driver’s seat is heated and cooled, with adjustable lumbar support and seat cushion extension. The Ultimate upper bunk transforms into storage with access ladder and luggage net, while the Performance lower bunk ensures a restful sleep on nights away. Equipped with a 40L quiet fridge, microwave and RoadPad+ infotainment and navigation system, the cab provides home-from-home comforts on the road
The 3200mm wheelbase tractor is powered by Renault Trucks’ efficient DTi 13 litre Euro VI engine, which produces 512hp and 2550 Nm of torque. Behind this is a 12 speed Optidriver automated transmission system which is highly rated by Paul. “It’s a powerful lorry, the gearbox is fantastic, and the Optibrake+ retarder is very good.”
Rear suspension is on air, while Paul opted for standard 2-leaf springs on the front: “I’ve never had air on the front so I’ve never missed it, and I’ve not broken any front end springs yet!”
Covering some 110,000 km annually, Paul opted for a five-year Renault Trucks Start and Drive contract that guarantees maximum uptime. High quality service support from the local dealer was also a major factor in Paul selecting another Renault truck. “Border Trucks are absolutely brilliant from top to bottom. It’s a really welcoming place, the first thing you do is go in and have a cup of tea. The boys in the garage are fantastic, they know I’m an owner driver so if there’s any pressure on me to get away, they’ll stay on later and get the job done.”
