Heavy haulage operator Nusteel Structures has taken delivery of its first Mercedes-Benz Truck, an Arocs 3363.
In addition, the vehicle is the biggest and most powerful ever run by the company.
As a result, the 6×4 unit has been plated for Special Types operation at up to 150 tonnes GCW.
Given its status as Nusteel Structures’ flagship first Mercedes-Benz truck, the spec is generous.
For example, the Arocs has a flat-floored BigSpace cab, finished with colour-coded bumpers.
In addition, there’s a roof-mounted Kelsa light bar as well as a chassis catwalk infill, from SB Components.
Powering the truck is a 625hp, 15.6-litre in-line six-cylinder engine.
Nusteel Structures is a leading supplier of steel bridges, gantries and complex structures to the UK construction industry.
Therefore, it needed a vehicle that could handle most things that came its way.
Specifically, the company’s first Mercedes-Benz truck operates from its HQ in Lympne, Hythe.
From there, it undertakes nationwide deliveries to sites of sections that can be up to 57m-long.
Also on the fleet are two 80-tonne tractor units from another manufacturer.
However, as transport manager/driver Iain Bates explained, a different approach was required.
“The bridges and gantries we manufacture have gradually become bigger and structurally more robust over the years.
“Therefore, they are heavier and we needed the increased capability of an uprated vehicle,” he said.
Nusteel’s truck was specified with a Turbo Retarder Clutch, which works in conjunction with the 16-speed PowerShift 3 gearbox.
That setup replaces the traditional manual gearbox and torque converter clutch set-up.
Designed to be wear-free and fuel-efficient, the Turbo Clutch handles and delivers up to 3,000Nm of torque.
In addition, it incorporates an important safety feature, in the shape of its own, powerful integrated retarder.
