Having covered over a million miles in a decade, a 26-tonne truck at Dowse of Richmond has retired.
However, in its place is a Mercedes-Benz Actros of the same size.
The new truck is the first Actros that the Yorkshire-based fleet has had from the current range.
As an all-Mercedes-Benz fleet, there was no hesitation in going to Bell Truck & Van for the new addition.
Lou Dowse, a co-director with his wife Pauline and sister-in-law Ann explained the decision.
“We’ve been buying our trucks from Bell Truck and Van for as long as I can remember.
“Also, we’ve been an all-Mercedes-Benz operation for decades now.
“The close links between our two companies are built on trust.
“However, that loyalty is not a given – it has been well earned.”
Dowse explained that the company has experiences reliability, cost effectiveness with its previous Mercedes-Benz trucks.
In addition, the company has also been impressed with the level of customer service from sales and workshop teams.
Meanwhile, the million miles covered by the outgoing truck is “nothing unusual” according to Dowse.
“That six-wheeler was looked after throughout its life at Bell’s Billingham branch,” he explained.
“As with all of our trucks, it only ever needed the minimum of routine maintenance to keep it on the road.”
Dowse of Richmond runs six rigid trucks of various sizes up to 26 tonnes.
The latest is an Actros 2536 variant, with flat-floored BigSpace cab.
It is powered by a 10.7-litre, 360 hp in-line six-cylinder engine, while the curtainside body is from Robinsons Truck Bodyworks.
In addition, it features MirrorCam, active brake assist and predictive powertrain control.
Furthermore, the Actros boasts colour-coded bumpers, chrome grille and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, sun visor and roof-mounted airhorns.
