Iveco Stralis' lead the charge to recycle at G&P Batteries

Thursday 16th June 2011

Waste battery collection and recycling specialist, G&P Batteries, has placed an order for six new Iveco Stralis 26 tonne rigids following a competitive tender involving six truck manufacturers. 
Each of the Stralis Active Time 6×2 rear-steer rigids (AT260S31YP/S) will be supplied by local Iveco dealer Guest Trucks.  They are being mounted with curtainside bodywork by Saunders of Stapleton and Palfinger Crayler rear-mounted forklifts, to enable hassle-free loading at customer sites nationwide.
John Kerr, Business Unit Manager at Darlaston-based G&P Batteries, says: “The deal-clincher was Iveco’s whole life costs and proven fuel economy.  Miles per gallon has always been a priority, but with the cost of diesel spiralling, it’s arguably more important now than ever before.
“The Stralis wasn’t the cheapest truck, but when you factor in repair and maintenance costs over five years, plus the impressive fuel economy we know we can achieve from the Cursor 8 engine, the Stralis topped our shopping list.”
Iveco’s Stralis AT range offers drivers a comfortable and ergonomically-designed cab, featuring a multi-functional steering wheel, heated air-suspended three-way adjustable driver’s seat with pneumatic lumbar support, comfortable low-level bunk with under-bunk storage and a conveniently positioned control panel – incorporating controls for the electric windows, interior lights, alarm clock and Eberspacher programmable cab heater.
The standard vehicle specification also includes an engine brake, cruise control and variable speed limiter, together with an audible alarm which sounds if the door is opened without the park brake being engaged.
G&P Batteries has also specified a MIX Telematics system, which connects through Iveco’s on-board Fleet Management System (FMS) interface.  The FMS features on all new Stralis’, allowing full connectivity with aftermarket telematics equipment and eliminating the need to specify factory-fitted options at extra cost. 
Power is provided by a six-cylinder 7.8 litre Cursor 8 engine which is capable of producing up to 310 hp between 1,675 and 2,400 rev/min, and up to 1,300 Nm of torque between 1,200 and 1,675 rev/min.  The driveline package also includes a EuroTronic gearbox, offering drivers a choice between automatic and semi-automatic shifting.
The vehicles will be in operation five days a week and are each expected to cover up to 60,000 miles a year.  They will carry out collections from sites ranging from car dealers and supermarkets to military bases and local authorities.
All batteries collected by G&P Batteries are taken to their headquarters in the West Midlands, where they are sorted into appropriate chemistries and then consolidated until optimum quantities have been collected for recycling.
For further information please visit: www.g-pbatt.co.uk