Platform on concrete and steel in construction
Regional concrete producer invests in additional payload, reliability and driver comfort
Limburg concrete producer Ittervoort Betoncentrale has expanded its fleet with three new Scania five-axle concrete mixers. The vehicles are equipped with a Wide Spread Triple axle configuration, which allows a legally permissible total weight of 49 tons. With this investment, the family business increases its transport capacity and takes a clear step toward further professionalization of concrete transport in the region.
Ittervoort Betoncentrale has been in existence for 31 years and has become a fixture for both large contractors and private clients. From Ittervoort the company serves a large working area, which runs from Eindhoven to Maastricht and towards Venlo. The fleet has fourteen trucks, which are used daily for a variety of projects. The distances and intensity of the work place high demands on the equipment. “Because of the long distances, we need a robust and reliable fleet of trucks,” says Ewoud Willems, company manager at Ittervoort Betoncentrale. “We drive relatively far, so every truck has to perform optimally. Reliability and uptime are crucial for us, because downtime directly affects our customers.”
The choice of the new Scania concrete mixers was partly determined by the possibility of having the Wide Spread Triple axle configuration delivered ex-factory. This axle arrangement allows five axles to drive a total weight of 49 tons, which is a significant advantage in concrete logistics. “That was decisive for us,” Willems said. “We want to place everything with one supplier. We are not in favor of solutions where an additional axle is installed afterwards. Ex-factory is the most reliable solution for us.”
Within Ittervoort Betoncentrale's fleet there are now eight five-axle vehicles with this Wide Spread Triple configuration, three of which are from Scania. The higher payload ensures that more concrete can be transported per trip. This means fewer trips, a more efficient use of drivers and vehicles and a lower burden on the road network.
The new trucks are equipped with a 13-liter engine with an output of 420 hp. This powertrain is known for its favorable fuel consumption and reliability, features that are important in daily intensive use. Combined with a robust design, the vehicles are suitable for heavy-duty use on and around construction sites, where conditions are often variable and challenging.
Driver comfort also played an important role in the purchase. The spacious cab offers great overview, comfort and ergonomics, which is appreciated by the drivers. “Our drivers are professionals,” says Willems. “They must not only be able to drive, but also handle the mixer body without problems. Together, the truck and driver are our calling card on the construction site.”
The first experiences with the new Scania's are very positive, according to Ittervoort Betoncentrale. “The driver who is now driving the first new truck is very enthusiastic. The truck looks sleek, drives pleasantly and offers a lot of comfort. We notice that immediately in daily operations.”
Sustainability is an important focus within the company. Ittervoort Betoncentrale is CSC Gold-certified, which stands for sustainable and responsible sourcing of concrete. More efficient transport with a higher payload per trip contributes to that ambition. After all, fewer transport movements mean lower CO2 emissions and more efficient use of equipment.
The new concrete mixers will soon be used in a major infrastructure project: the widening of the A2 between Maasbracht and Geleen. “This is an important lifeline for Limburg,” Willems concludes. “We are proud to be able to contribute to this project and the further development of the region with our new vehicles.”
