TIMBER haulier Jim Yule has invested in a second Mercedes-Benz Arocs truck to help cope with the tough demands of his work deep in the forests of north-east Scotland.

The owner-driver, based in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, took delivery of his strikingly finished tractor unit from local dealer BLS Truck & Van. A 6x2 Arocs 2553 model with tag axle, the truck has a flat-floored, 2.5-metre-wide version of the aerodynamic StreamSpace cab. Its advanced, 12.8-litre straight-six engine produces 390 kW (530 hp) and drives through a Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission.

Finished in metallic green, it boasts individual features including a top-mounted Kelsa chrome lightbar and beacons, aluminium chequer-plate catwalk, alloy wheels and headlamp protectors.

Jim works mainly in the Fetteresso Forest, in southern Aberdeenshire. His tractor unit pulls a specialised Dennison timber trailer with Hiab Loglift crane – which has its own cabin, for full weather protection – so he can load up in the forest, then unload when he reaches his destination.

He said: “The job involves a lot of off-road work. I’m frequently in the heart of the forest, and up to half an hour’s drive from the nearest finished road. The 6x2 Arocs handles the trails without any problem, though. Its high ground clearance means deep ruts and bumps are never a problem, and lifting the rear axle enables me to gain more traction from the drive axle should I need it, while also improving manoeuvrability for tight turns.

“My truck is also significantly lighter than a 6x4 tractor, and the resulting increase in payload capacity makes for higher productivity. It really is the ideal package. I’ve considered other options but the Arocs is the only vehicle on the market that’s purpose-built for tough, off-road applications like mine.”

The new truck has replaced Mr Yule’s first Arocs, which he acquired in 2014.