Mercedes-Benz Actros L a winner at the pumps for Casterton Haulage

A drastic improvement in fuel performance from its first two Mercedes-Benz Actros tractor units brought Casterton Haulage to the inevitable decision to invest in a third.

Sheffield-based Casterton took its first pair of Actros from its local Mercedes-Benz Trucks dealer last year – both are highly specified 4×2 units for work across Europe.

The first truck was an Actros L 1853 with 12.8-litre, in-line six-cylinder engine generating a muscular 390 kW (530 hp). Impressed, an order for a second vehicle was soon place – this time with a 375 kW (510hp) version of the same powerplant. Both are 4×2 units with Low-liner reduced frame height, for work across Europe including event and concert logistics.

“I drive the 530 hp Actros myself, and it’s a great truck,” said managing director Mark Casterton. “But as well as being lovely to drive with a beautifully equipped cab, it’s also proved to be impressively fuel-efficient.

“Its first long-distance trip was a run to Portugal, alongside one of our older units. There’s a big difference in ages, with the other truck being seven years old, so it’s not really a fair comparison, but the Actros was a full two miles per gallon better. The 510 hp vehicle has been similarly economical, so between them they’re delivering a significant saving.”

All of which explains why Casterton returned to its dealer for a third Mercedes-Benz – this time an Actros L 2558, with 425 kW (580 hp) 15.6-litre engine, in more conventional 6×2 format.

“We’ve developed a specialism in event logistics but I still class us a general haulier,” said Casterton. “We do a bit of everything, including a lot of steel transport. The 4×2 units are intended mainly for event work and the new 580 is specced for hauling steel, but all our vehicles are able to turn their hand to whatever is required.”

Casterton concluded by saying Mercedes-Benz is now the dominant brand on its fleet.