test report

9

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.

“We currently have five Renault Kerax 370.32 trucks in our fleet, four of these vehicles having been purchased back in the Spring of 2006, and over the past nine years they have served us well in maintenance terms and in fuel performance,” says Chris McCloy, Transport Manager at FP McCann, who recently won the Export & Freight Transport & Logistics ‘Top Fleet of the Year’ award.

“So when the time came to upgrade these trucks, we had every confidence in sticking with the Renault and traded in a Kerax for two new 32 tonne Renault C430 8x4 tippers from local dealers Diamond Trucks.”

FP McCann’s two new additions are currently earning their keep on a number of projects, including the A31 Magherafelt Bypass and the A26 Frosses Road scheme, as well as supplying Rock Aggregates to the Port of Larne for onward delivery to Hampshire based contractors Boskalis Westminster.

The new Renault C range trucks have many striking features, not least the cab which is more spacious and more comfortable. The wraparound dashboard, which has been subject to many ergonomic tests, puts the driver within easy reach of all the main controls and also features a 7 inch main colour screen, the largest on the market, 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 rearview mirrors in two blocks guarantee optimal visibility in all weathers, vital when working on busy construction sites. In addition, the vehicles are equipped with cornering lights that provide maximum safety when manoeuvring, whatever the conditions.

‘TIP THE SCALES’ FOR FP MCCANNWhen civil engineering contractors and quarry operators FP McCann decided to upgrade some of their award winning fleet of trucks they had no hesitation in opting for the latest Renault C430 8x4 tippers.

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.

A step on the side has also been incorporated into the design, allowing drivers to easily check the load. The vehicles offer failsafe ruggedness with reinforced protection for all exposed parts liable to suffer impacts. Obstacle clearance capacity is also impressive, making the trucks ideal for quarry and construction site applications.

What do the drivers think of them? “They are well pleased with both the handling and the performance,” says Chris. “The C430s have plenty of power to tackle every day duties – from hauling blacktop to muck shifting. While most driving is done on-road, the trucks have taken any off-road duties in their stride, too – and they also have the capacity to tow our full range of trailers and plant, making them a great all-round addition to our fleet.”

Adds Chris: “As fuel efficiency is one of the top factors in choosing trucks nowadays, it was vital these trucks could perform above average compared to our current fleet – and to date they have done so on a consistent basis.”

So what about aftersales service and support from Diamond Trucks? “Such support is an important factor in choosing which trucks to purchase, and our overall relationship with the Renault Trucks brand in the past has been a good one; it is something we hope to build on with Diamond Trucks, who have provided us with an attractive package that included a trade in deal and a four year warranty.”

As the other older Kerax trucks are reaching the end of their current working life, FP McCann have now placed an order for a further two Renault C430’s from Diamond Trucks – a fact that speaks volumes about both Renault and their local dealer!

For more information on the latest Renault range, contact the sales team at Diamond Trucks on 02890 837171 or visit www.renault-trucks.net

Commercial Way, Mallusk, Newtownabbey. BT36 4UB

Tel. +44 (0) 2890 831615

The new Renault additions to the FP McCann fleet

Pictured here (l-r) are FP McCann’s Chris McCloy, with Iain Latimer and Bobby Love, Sales Executives, Diamond Trucks

RENAULT & DIAMOND TRUCKS