18 minute read
Tippers
RENAULT & DIAMOND TRUCKS SCORE TOP MARKS ON AFTERSALES SUPPORT
When it comes to investing in a new truck, fleet owners without exception put great store not just on the product, but equally on the level of aftersales service and support that can be provided by the dealer.
Here at Plant & Civil Engineer, we’ve been talking to some of our biggest fleet operators to find out why they have consistently opted for models from the impressive Renault truck range; a major reason, we have been told, is the high level of customer care they get from the team at Diamond Trucks. Take civil engineering contractors and quarry operators FP McCann, for example: in recent times they have been adding to their fleet of tippers, specifically Renault Range C430 8x4s, some of which have been fitted in-house with a demount system so they can accommodate both tipper and mixer bodies. While they were attracted by the truck’s ruggedness, its working comfort, excellent payload, and pulling power, the new Euro 6 engines and low fuel consumption, another key reason was the fact the company has long experience of the Renault name, and it’s all been good. “Of all the trucks we have in our 125 plus fleet, the Renault C430s have probably the best finished cab, which is why our drivers love them,” says FP McCann’s Regional Quarry & Transport Manager Chris McCloy.
“Our drivers tell us the C430s have plenty of power to tackle everything from hauling blacktop to muck shifting, and while most driving is done on-road, the trucks have taken any off-road duties in their stride, too.” Adds Chris: “One of the main reasons we have stayed with Renault and with Diamond Trucks over the years is the back-up service, which is always reliable, professional and prompt. We have a great working relationship with them. “If there is ever an issue, and it is rare, we know we can depend on the team at Diamond Trucks to resolved it efficiently with the minimum of delay because in our business we cannot afford any unnecessary downtime which can be potentially quite costly for us.”
Loughran Rock Industries
Loughran Rock Industries (N.I.) Ltd, a leading provider of crushed stone, concrete blocks and ready-mix concrete in County Armagh, is also a big fan of the Renault brand, recently adding two C430 8x4 tippers and a Range T480 6x2 tag tractor unit to its 30-strong fleet. A previously positive experience with Renault Trucks and the local dealership in Northern Ireland, Diamond Trucks, was central to their latest decision, as Director Gary Loughran explains: “We took a couple of Range C430 8x4 mixers complete with IMER Bottles last year which have worked well in our operation, so we looked to Renault Trucks again when we wanted some new vehicles.” Gary is full of admiration for the Renault Trucks dealer: “We’ve found Diamond Trucks to be a great business partner and very straight forward to deal with. Their back-up service and aftersales packages on offer, including 5 year R+M with the work carried out at local service point Toal Truck Services, is second to none and was one of the key reasons we selected the Range C and T. They just take any hassle away so that we can concentrate on getting the job done.”
Northstone Materials
Another satisfied leading fleet operator is Northern Ireland’s major supplier of
quarry aggregates, concrete products and road contracting services, Northstone Materials, who have no less than 24 Renault C430 8x4s on the road, equally divided between tippers and mixers. Northstone have found the Renault C430s not just good value for money, but also very fuel efficient, which was a big deciding factor when the trucks were initially acquired, and says Northstone Transport Manager Nigel Galbraith. “The drivers speak highly of them, although they were initially a bit sceptical when we first added them to our fleet; that’s all changed. They love them.” Nigel adds: “The Renault C430s have proved to be an excellent workhorse, both in on- and off- road duties, with good payload capabilities.” The trucks work out of Northstone Materials’ bases across Northern Ireland, with the tippers primarily geared towards road contracting operations, delivering black top, stone and gravel, while the mixer units deliver concrete for customer supply. Average haul distances vary, with some trucks based in rural areas and other vehicles operating in urban and city environments. “Another factor in staying with Renault is the service we get from Diamond Trucks. We have a full R&M package with the dealership and find them reliable and efficient. When we need to call on them, they respond without delay,” says Nigel, “which is vital as our fleet is kept extremely busy; avoidable, unnecessary downtime can turn out to be very expensive for an operation like ours.”
Impressive Features
So, let’s take a closer look in brief at what the Renault C range trucks have to offer. As already mentioned, the cab has impressed the drivers. It is spacious and comfortable, with a wraparound dashboard, which puts the driver within easy reach of all the main controls and also features a 7 inch main colour screen, displaying vehicle status information intuitively. Furthermore, the ergonomic steering wheel, with its three-dimensional adjustment, plus a 200mm range of seat adjustment, ensures drivers can easily find their perfect driving position. Heated and adjustable rear-view mirrors in two blocks guarantee optimal visibility in all weathers, vital when working on busy construction or quarry sites. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with cornering lights that provide maximum safety when manoeuvring, whatever the conditions. Access to the cab has clearly been carefully designed to facilitate drivers’ everyday work and ensure their safety, with wide, anti-slip in line steps. And because the cab sits lower to the ground, it is also easier for drivers to get into and out of their vehicle, a bonus for those making frequent deliveries. Obstacle clearance capacity is also impressive, making the trucks ideal for quarry and construction site applications.
More Information For more information on the latest Renault range, contact the sales team at Diamond Trucks on 02890 837171 or visit www.renault-trucks.net
MERCEDES-BENZ VANS BORN READY TO WORK WHEN YOU ARE!
MBNI Truck & Van have a range of Sprinter Chassis cabs ready to get and keep your business moving. Tippers, Dropside and Lutons are all part of the Ready to Work range.
The Sprinter Dropside has everything you know and love about the Sprinter Panel Van but with a strong and durable Dropside body boosting a high payload, and plenty of space for your equipment. Inside the cab of the Sprinter you’ll discover a state of the art 7” touchscreen interface which hosts both Apple Carplay and Android Auto, becoming a one-stop shop for all things multi-media from text messaging, live vehicle status information, podcast streaming or even mirroring your phone’s Google Maps satellite navigation. Each Dropside is converted by MBNI Truck & Van’s trusted bodybuilding partners to the very highest standards and is ready to drive away on the same day – so no more waiting, because we know you can’t afford to stop. It comes with free 24/7 roadside assistance with MobiloVan and Mercedes PRO Connect, the only fully telematics solution on the market, giving businesses of all sizes a cost-effective way to connect fleet managers, drivers and vehicles. PRO Connect vehicle monitoring allows fleet managers to monitor a vehicle’s status and plan workshop visits when it suits them - maximising uptime.
Be a front runner this Spring
MBNI Truck & Van have a vehicle to suit every business, from the small and mighty Citan to the powerfully connected Vito and Sprinter there are some fantastic options available. The Vito, the versatile professional with the star, is a mid-size van that sets the standards. Whether as a family car, for skilled craftsmen and trades people to service providers – the Vito is one for all. The Vito delivers an impressive specification at four different trim levels, with its simplest form, PURE boasting Parking sensors, Audio 15 and Twin sliding doors. Keep it PURE and simple with a Vito 114 PURE L3 from £19,995 (+ VAT + RFL) with air conditioning helping keep your business moving and cash flow flowing. If you want to combine business with pleasure, the range topping Vito SPORT available as a 116 or 119. The SPORT is not only packed with technology but
can carry five passengers as well as copious storage space for equipment. Business is all about communication and like the Sprinter, the Vito now contains PRO Connect. Deliver the right impression to your customers by wearing the 3-pointed star wherever you go.
Go Bigger?
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter continues to dominate the Large van sector having won the Export & Freight Van of the Year Award for the third year running (2017,2018 & 2019). The introduction of Mercedes PRO Connect and a brand new 7” touchscreen with full MBUX infotainment system makes the Sprinter the most powerfully connected van the world has ever seen – with the Sprinter Premium Edition available for £23,595 (+ VAT + RFL) per month with an impressive specification to include Air Conditioning, Satellite Navigation and a Reversing camera.
Born to lead
Redefining what it means to be a pick-up, the X-Class flaunts a luxurious interior with half leather and microfibre seating, Audio 20 with a touch screen interface, perforated leather steering wheel and definitively styled Mercedes-Benz dashboard. For those who are born to lead not follow, MBNI have some monstrous savings on X-Class with the ELEMENT Edition now available from just £28,995 (+ VAT + RFL).
Fancy something with a little extra bite? Powered by a muscular, responsive V6 engine and boasting 258 bhp the X350d V6 model will take you from 0 to 62mph in just 7.9 seconds in style. The commercial vehicle range from MBNI in Mallusk offers practical solutions. No matter what area of the construction industry – there is a Mercedes-Benz vehicle for you. For more info, or to book a test drive, contact any of the Van sales team at Mallusk on 028 9034 2411.
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MBNI Truck & Van, 47 Mallusk Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 4PJ, Tel: 028 9034 2411. E-mail: info@m-btruckandvan.co.uk www.mbtvni.co.uk
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