JC Balls selects six-wheeler Arocs for versatility

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Transport Engineer  /  November 1, 2016

Derbyshire-based earthmoving, plant hire and recycling services specialist JC Balls & Sons has bucked the trend and added three six-wheel tippers to its 38-strong fleet, instead of industry preferred 8x4s, citing their versatility and manoeuvrability.

Conceding its new tippers reduced payload capacity at 15 tonnes, director Jamie Balls counters that his new 26-tonners are ideal for work on local highways contracts.

“A 6x4 truck is a lot more manoeuvrable than an eight-wheeler, which is a big advantage on some of the roads in this area,” insists Balls.

“Also, of course, the lighter vehicle comes at a lower purchase price, and is cheaper to operate too,” he adds.

And Balls points out that because highways contracts are mostly summertime activities, he needs his tippers to handle aggregates, muckaway and the like in the winter months.

“So versatility is all-important for us, and this new chassis-body combination is living up to all our expectations,” smiles Balls.

Supplied by Derby dealer Mertrux, its new Arocs 2635Ks were specified with ClassicSpace M-cabs and the 7.7-litre 354bhp engine driving through the PowerShift AMT (automated manual transmission).

They have been bodied by Thompsons with its lightweight, all-steel Stonemaster, and tip the scales at an unladen weight of 10,700kg.

“These are still very early days but the drivers have certainly taken to the Arocs, with the responsive engine and smooth-changing PowerShift being particularly well received,” continues Balls.

JC Balls inspects and maintains its trucks in its own workshops but will be using Mertrux for regular deliveries of Mercedes-Benz GenuineParts.

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