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F CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY

Nidera forges ahead


with Mercedes Benz
fleet

An international trading company,


Nidera is active at every stage of
the grain supply chain, originating
all types of arable crops from
farmers and marketing and
distributing them to consumers
throughout the UK.

he grain, seed and fertiliser merchant


is now benefiting from increased fuel
efficiency after commissioning its
first Mercedes-Benz tractor units to
be equipped with the manufacturers
groundbreaking Predictive Powertrain
Control system.
Their introduction has opened the way
for the Ipswich-based operator to stand
down its last three non-Mercedes-Benz trucks, so that by the end of
2015 every one of its 40 vehicles will wear a three-pointed star.
Supplied by East Anglia Dealer Orwell Truck and Van, the
five new trucks are all Actros 2445 models with wind-cheating

Pulling together: Nideras Transport Manager Tom


Poutney, right, with Paul Simpson of Orwell Truck & Van

66 | November 2015 - Milling and Grain

StreamSpace cabs and small-wheeled (17.5in) mid-lift axles, which


offer a weight saving of some 300 kg compared to the standard
version with 22.5in wheels.
The lighter mid-lift axles are contributing to improved economy
when the vehicles run empty, as well as increasing payload capacity.
However, Tim Capey, Operations Director at Nidera, believes the
main reason for the impressive early mpg performance of the new
vehicles is its adoption of Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), and
the associated driver training delivered by Orwell Truck andi think
Vans designated Fuel Saver Lee Betts.
PPC is a clever cruise control that works in conjunction with the
Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission and employs threedimensional GPS mapping to read three kilometres of topography

CASE STUDY F

ahead. It responds by controlling gear changes, speed and braking


to maximise fuel efficiency. Mercedes-Benz says the system, which
is particularly effective in hilly terrain, can cut fuel costs by up to 5
percent, though some operators have reported significantly higher
savings.
It is difficult to make precise comparisons given the different
routes and the varying ages of our vehicles, explained Tim
Capey. However, its fair to say that in terms of fuel returns the
early indications from these new PPC-equipped vehicles are very
positive.
This is partly down to the technology but also to the excellent
coaching provided to our drivers by Orwells Lee Betts in one
case, the result has been an improvement of as much as 0.6 mpg,
which is very encouraging.
Nideras latest trucks are powered by state-of-the-art 330
kW (449 hp) straight-six engines and, like its other Actros, are
also fitted with Mercedes-Benz FleetBoard telematics systems.

FleetBoard analyses driver performance against a range of criteria,


including over revving, harsh braking, idling, speeding and green
band driving, and highlights areas in which improvements can be
made.
Nidera has been forging ahead strongly after two years of good
harvests and high yields. Its tractor units pull bulk-tipping trailers
and make nationwide deliveries of cereals, oilseeds and pulses to
customers in the food, feed and bio-energy industries.
The company purchased its first Mercedes-Benz trucks in 2000
and since then Orwell Truck and Van has steadily increased its
share of the fleet. The vehicles are serviced in the Dealers Ipswich,
Colchester and Newmarket workshops under seven-year MercedesBenz Repair and Maintenance Contracts.
Mr Capey added, Fuel efficiency is certainly important but
we focus on all elements of the whole life cost calculation.
Reliability and residual values are also key and so, too, is our very
close working relationship with our supplier. Orwell Truck and
Van understands and meets the requirements of our business we
make full use of its overnight servicing capability and if we have
an issue, as you always will from time to time, we know who to
contact to get it quickly sorted.
Paul Simpson, Truck Sales Manager at Orwell Truck and Van,
said, Given the nature of the work and the fact that Nideras trucks
spend a relatively high proportion of their time on A and B roads,
its pleasing to see the positive effect that Predictive Powertrain
Control is having on their fuel efficiency.
This brilliant system, which can also now be retrofitted to
vehicles that are already on the road, offers operators the chance
to enhance their environmental profiles by reducing their carbon
footprints, while at the same time improving their bottom
lines.

Milling and Grain - November 2015 | 67

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