‘Safe dig’ suction excavations to be executed by eight Mercedes-Benz truck chassis

Leading customers of MTS Suction Systems UK are now undertaking safe excavations of roads and footpaths using impressive new Mercedes-Benz trucks supplied by Orwell Truck & Van.

The bodybuilder, which has a sales headquarters in Ely, Cambridgeshire, ordered the seven 32-tonne Arocs 3251 ENAs and a single 26-tonne Econic 2635 L ENA from the Dealer’s Newmarket branch. The trucks are being fitted with their high-performance bodies and ancillary equipment at MTS Suction Systems’ production facility in Germersheim, southern Germany.

The 8×4/4 Arocs have single front steer axles, double-drive bogies and rear-steer axles. The result is a significantly tighter turning circle than a standard construction eight-wheeler, and greatly enhanced manoeuvrability. The 6×2/4 Econic is also equipped with a rear-steer axle, for access to tight spots.

The first Arocs, a left-hand drive version, is now in service with suction excavation specialist Vac-Ex, of Doncaster. It is also due to receive another two, identical trucks before the end of the year. The remaining four Arocs have all been specified in right-hand drive form, for use by a prominent multinational infrastructure group.

The Econic has been built for another specialist operator of suction excavation equipment, which is based in Chesterfield. This company chose the low-entry chassis for its Direct Vision safety credentials, and is looking forward to the arrival of its new truck later this month.

The bodybuilder’s UK Managing Director Russell Fairhurst said: “We are client-led when it comes to vehicle marque, and this is the first time we’ve sourced Mercedes-Benz chassis here in the UK, rather than from Germany.

“The experience of working with Orwell Truck & Van has been entirely positive. Its Sales Executive Chris Benefer was keen to win our business from the outset, took the time to listen and understand our requirements, then responded quickly and efficiently to our requests for quotations. We couldn’t have asked for more.”

Vehicles built by MTS Suction Systems typically cost between £350,000 and £400,000 apiece, so represent high-value investments. Despite this, the explosion over recent years in the use of fibre optics and other underground services mean the company’s vacuum excavators are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional machinery such as mini-diggers, and even shovels.

“We used to be happy to sell two or three suction excavators per year, but we’re looking at between 25-30 now,” continued Mr Fairhurst. “The capital cost means this equipment will never replace conventional methods altogether, but for areas with high concentrations of underground services the benefits in terms of health and safety, and damage-free operations, are compelling.”

Vac-Ex proprietor John Mee commented: “We run a mixed-marque fleet currently, but moving forward will only be buying Mercedes-Benz trucks. The three-pointed star conveys an image of quality and professionalism, while experience has proved the Arocs to be exceptionally reliable and cost-effective to operate. The manufacturer’s contract maintenance provision also represents very good value, and the back-up we receive from our local Dealer is first class.”

For more information on Orwell Truck and Van visit their website.