r
Pick of the crop: Matthew Harper is pictured with father Nigel (right) and uncle Jonathan
optional Predictive Powertrain Control system – a cruise con- trol that employs 3D mapping and GPS data to scan the road ahead. The technology manages gear changes and vehicle speed, making full use of momentum and the transmission system. With its highly specifi ed and smartly liveried vehicles, P Harp- er & Sons enjoys a strong reputa- tion within the local trucking fra- ternity. The Actros truck is being inspected and maintained under a fi ve-year Mercedes-Benz Com- plete Service Contract.
On the road
P Harper & Sons works for major growers. Pulling potato bulkers, curtainsiders and tipping trail- ers, most of its trucks are out all week, collecting fresh produce from farms nationwide, and deliv- ering to processors and packers. Matthew Harper’s grandfa-
“
We’re a seven-days- a-week operation and cannot afford unplanned downtime.
laid out, the automated transmis- sion is very smooth, and the en- gine pulls really well.” The Actros arrived via deal-
er Intercounty Truck & Van with a factory-fi tted fridge and micro- wave, and a long-range 490-litre fuel tank in place of the standard 450-litre item. It is powered by a highly fuel-effi cient, second-gen- eration 12.8-litre straight-six en- gine producing 350 kW (476 hp). Economy is enhanced by an
ther Peter established the busi- ness in 1962. His father Nigel and Uncle Jonathan are now man- aging directors. Mr Harper said: “We’d tried Mercedes-Benz dem- onstrators in the past but nev- er taken the next step and pur- chased one. “We’ve done so on this occasion because the vehicle came highly recommended by a good friend of ours, who told us his drivers love their Actros, that they’re fantas- tic on fuel, and that he’s had very few issues in terms of reliability. “Economy is crucial, of course,
and the Actros is certainly deliv- ering as far as fuel-effi ciency is concerned. But so, too, is back- up – we’re a seven-days-a-week operation and cannot afford un- planned downtime, so we contin- ue to monitor the dealer’s perfor- mance closely.”
40years 1979-2019 Specialists in fruit & vegetable cooling
3 3 3 3 3
Large surface area evaporator Compressor Inverter Drive Cooling Fans Inverter Drive EC Condenser Fans Low GWP Refrigerant - R513A
We’ve got all the boxes ticked for what you need for an efficient cooling system
to keep your produce in perfect condition. Tel: 01945 870204
Call us to discuss your requirements
Email:
barriedodd@potatostorage.co.uk www.potatostorage.co.uk
APRIL 2019 • ANGLIA FARMER 37
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