Duchy Plant Hire’s Jamie Shelton bought his first Mercedes-Benz Arocs tipper in January 2021, because it was available and he needed a new truck in a hurry. Fast forward to today and he’s recently set another couple on the road, while Dealer Intercounty Truck & Van will be delivering six more early next year.

“That Arocs never gets stuck and is the most reliable truck on the fleet,” enthused Mr. Shelton, who established his Truro-based business in 2018. “It’s every bit as capable as our Swedish-built trucks, yet they cost us upwards of £40,000 more. All we’ve had to do with our first Mercedes-Benz over the last couple of years is replace wear items.”

Duchy Plant Hire purchased this vehicle after Mr Shelton spotted it on Truck Sales Executive Matteo Mirabile’s Facebook page – the Arocs had been pre-built and was being offered for sale from stock by Intercounty Truck & Van. As a 3240 variant, it is powered by a 10.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engine producing 290 kW (394 hp).

However, in line with Duchy Plant Hire’ usual policy of running very highly specified equipment, the eight vehicles it has since ordered are all Arocs 3251s with 375 kW (510 hp) 12.8-litre ‘straight-sixes’. Their steel Predator Ultimate tipping bodies are being built by Abba Commercials, of St Helens.