Skyline aims high

Skyline Roofing Centres’ first low-emission Euro VI truck is also its first to wear the three-pointed star of Mercedes-Benz.

The 26-tonne Antos 2530 is now delivering the operator’s comprehensive range of roofing and building products to customers in and around London.

Founded 40 years ago, Skyline Roofing Centres has headquarters in Hanwell, west London, and a further eight depots located within and around the M25 – the Antos is based at Lewisham, in south London.

Director Ryan Revell says: “We’ve tried various makes of vehicle over the years but this is our first Mercedes-Benz. It was our bodybuilder, an established supplier, who suggested we take a look at the new Antos, so we visited Hatfield dealer S & B Commercials and were very impressed by all that we saw and heard.”

The new Mercedes-Benz Antos heavy-duty distribution range replaces Axor and Actros day cab models. Stylish in appearance, and highly efficient in operation, it is available to order as an 18- or 26-tonne rigid, or as a 4x2, 6x2 or on-road 6x4 tractor unit.

Skyline Roofing Centres’ latest six-wheeler has a short ClassicSpace (S) day cab and a rear-steer axle for extra manoeuvrability. Its state-of-the art, 7.7-litre BlueEfficiency engine, meanwhile, produces 220 kW (300 hp) and drives through a smooth-changing, eight-speed version of the Mercedes PowerShift 3 automated transmission.

The Antos is fitted with a dropside body by WS Coachworks, also of Hatfield, and additionally equipped with a rear-mounted remote radio-controlled Terex Atlas crane.

Skyline operates15 rigid trucks, a combination of 18- and 26-tonners, which it also uses to move product between depots. The Antos represents an extension to the fleet, having been commissioned to help the company meet growing demand for its products, particularly solar panels.

Mr Revell continues: “The Antos is certainly a great looking truck, while driver Derek Bettle is really pleased with the comfort and layout of his new cab.

“We’ll now be closely monitoring its running costs and paying particular attention to fuel efficiency, because we spend a great deal of money on diesel each year.

“If the Antos proves as cost-effective to operate as we’ve been led to believe it will, then there’s every prospect of S & B Commercials and Mercedes-Benz increasing their share of our fleet in the future.”
 

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