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German owned Fiege is the seventh largest distribution company in
Page 44
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Europe. UK subsidiary Fiege Merlin has two networks specialising in white good and parcels delivery. Transport manager Bob Dennis operates a predominantly Mercedes-Benz fleet, including 35 Actros 1840s, 120 7.5tonners and 60 Sprinters, out of three depots.
The HGVs, mostly coupled to step-frame trailers, are constricted by volume rather than weight and rarely exceed a payload of 12-13 tomes.
''I'd say 460hp is much more power than we need and the high-roof, long-distance cab is really too much for our day and night operation," Dennis told us. "We chose the 400hp version because it gives us better residuals than the 350hp model. We could only justify a cab this big if it was being used as a sleeper.
"I like the flat floor and it's only one extra step up to enter the cab so that should not be a problem for the drivers who make as few as four or Uwe drops a day. We came from ERF to Mercedes three years ago. Our drivers like the cab and say that the truck is less stressful and easy to drive. We Ve all our drivers a defensive driving training course. "We're getting just over 10mpg with EPS and slightly better with our two fully automatic trucks. The drivers didn't like the auto box at first but after a few days we couldn't get them out of the cab."
Transport supervSor Gary Sanders took us for a drive. "There's well over 6ft headroom and the folding jump seat adds a lot to the floor space," he said. "The seat-belt moves with the seat and is very comfortable. Having the controls for the telephone and the stereo on the steering wheel is a nice touch ifs all plumbed in for hands-free operation.
"This night heater works through the standard cab ventilation system so it should keep the windows clear in the morning.
"We're running much heavier than I'm used to but the engine pulls well. I'm reluctant to use very high revs even though I know that's what is needed to get the best out of the engine brake.
1 like the way the transmission selects the right gears to match the road speed when we slow up at a road junction. Our Actroses are pretty reliable but clutches don't last the full term. They need replacing at about 400,000 miles and header tanks have split on some."