FIRST RANGE T HIGH JOINS MCCULLA IRELAND FOR INTERNATIONAL SERVICE

McCulla Ireland has put into service a Range T520 High 6x2 TML, one of the first right hand drive models in Ireland and the first for the temperature controlled logistics firm which is approaching its 50th anniversary year.

Delivered by Diamond Trucks, the Renault Trucks dealer from Northern Ireland, the top of the range T520 High joins McCulla Ireland’s fleet of 100 trucks and 150 trailers, and will be supported with a manufacturer’s full repair & maintenance contract.

For Brian Beattie, Operations Director at McCulla Ireland, the selection of the T High was driven by several factors, not least that the company is running six Renault Premiums which are still going strong and that it has recently taken on the first Euro-6 Renault truck, a Range T480, which is already delivering strong fuel performance.   

McCulla Ireland’s vehicle orders are usually made in tens, as Brian explains: “Based on the excellent reliability and fuel performance of the Premiums, we decided to trial the Range T for domestic work and the T High for International service. We are looking at these as seed vehicles; they’re already performing very well on fuel and if this continues we would expect to include Renault Trucks on our list for future vehicle purchases.”

The T High is hauling refrigerated trailers from McCulla Ireland’s sites in both Lisburn and Dublin across Ireland, the UK and into Europe, making frequent trips to France, Benelux and Switzerland. Renault Trucks’ DTI 13 litre engine rated at 512hp is coupled to a 12-speed Optidriver automated transmission system. The straight six unit’s maximum power output is delivered between 1430 to 1800 rpm with a maximum torque of 2550 Nm is available from 1000 to 1430 rpm.  

Fuel is a major consideration for MuCulla Ireland and the T High is specified with the latest fuel-saving technologies on board, like Optivision gear shifting strategy, which adapts the gear change to the topography of the route by using previously logged data, optimised for FUEL ECO and ECO cruise control with Optiroll controlled freewheeling.  Additionally, advanced safety options include Lane Departure Warning System, an Alcolock, cameras and emergency braking system. The company is also using Renault Trucks’ fleet management system, Optifleet Check, to gain precise data reports for fuel consumption monitoring by vehicle and by driver.

Driver comfort is a priority when it comes to vehicle specification, especially on long distance work, as Brian says: “We look after our drivers, so the T High is equipped with all the bells and whistles for a comfortable life on board.”

Inside the T High cab, the driver benefits from the luxury Ultimate Alu finish, with a host of optional extras including air-suspended driver's seat, adjustable lumbar support, adjustable seat cushion extension, heated and anti-perspiration ventilated seat and 40-litre refrigerator.

On the road, the T High is a commanding sight with cab components colour-matched for a striking finish and Dura-Bright aluminium wheels.  “It’s such an impressive truck, the driver, Stefan, absolutely loves it – in fact all the drivers would happily swap trucks to drive it,” adds Brian.

Local dealer, Diamond Trucks has also played a key role in McCulla Ireland’s decision to bring the Range Ts onto the fleet, as Brian notes: “Iain Latimer and the team have done an excellent job so far and I’m sure these seed vehicles will lead to a greater number of Renaults on our fleet.”