Reliability issues for the (nameless) outgoing brand saw Renault Trucks get a foothold into North Yorkshire bulk carrier John Petch Transport’s fleet.
Thompson Commercials in Hull pounced on the opportunity to sell a top-spec’ Renault Trucks Range T520 High into the fleet of 25 tractors and tipping trailers.
Founder John Petch has a mutually respected relationship with the supplying dealer, Thompson Commercials, Hull. “They are the best commercial vehicle dealer in this area.”
The Truck
The 3.9-metre wheelbase 6×2 pusher is powered by Renault Trucks’ DTI 13 litre, 520hp engine. The T High has a 12-speed, Optidriver automated transmission, Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels with 385/55 R22.5 (super singles) on the steer axle 315/70 R22.5 on the drive axle. Petch also opted for OPTIBRAKE+, Renault Trucks’ combination retarder.
The firm operates a ‘one man, one truck’, policy with a full week away from base commonplace. In addition to fuel performance, reliability and longevity, driver retention was also high on the list when they placed the order for the high specification T High with Thompson Commercials sales executive Dale Arnott.
Comfort Trim gives our driver full leather, heated and perforated seats, both driver and passenger air suspended, Ultimate Alu finish, a 40-litre under bunk fridge and Renault’s Roadpad+, which incorporates a 7 inch, HD multimedia touchscreen display with HGV-specific TomTom navigation.
Dave Petch
Thompson Commercials also fitted a Roadcrew in-cab inverter, light bars and took care of the Ekla White colour coding by DWI, Beverley.
The truck features Renault’s Eco Fuel Pack and Pack Protect. The former encompasses both Eco Cruise Control and Optiroll, improving driving comfort, maintaining speed limits, increasing productivity while reducing fuel consumption.
The new T high was funded on a hire purchase contract with Renault Trucks Financial Services and, despite the fact they have their own workshops, J Petch took it with five years R&M. In keeping with the rest of the fleet, they expect the new truck to cover roughly 140,000 kilometres per annum.
The Company
Established in 2007, John Petch Transport embarked on a program of growth from 2012 onwards when Dave Petch joined the business. The John Petch Transport fleet has its roots in the movement of bulk materials for British Gypsum, and today the soft mineral powder used in plaster, plasterboard and ceiling solutions still forms the cornerstone of the firm’s traffic, accounting for around 50 per cent. The other side of Petch’s business moves recycled glass, sand and stone, plus a wide variety of other bulk commodities.