Family-run plant hire and bulk excavation specialist JW Crowther has added the first IVECO Stralis X-WAY eight-legger to its fleet after being impressed by how its HI-SCR diesel particulate filter technology decreased downtime.
The 32-tonne 8×4 rigid replaces an older competitor model in the Leeds-based company’s 35-strong mixed fleet. The company said it stood out from the competition thanks to Iveco’s patented HI-SCR engine technology which utilises passive regeneration of the diesel particulate filter, requiring zero driver involvement, which they trialled in a demonstrator for a week.
Nigel Crowther, director at JW Crowther, which also provides road sweepers, site clearance work, tankers and environmental services, said: “Our first experience of HI-SCR was in 2016 when we bought an Iveco Eurocargo road sweeper, and it was a real game-changer.
“Compared with other Euro VI vehicles we had at the time, the Iveco system eliminated the 40-minute delays we’d been suffering during forced regeneration cycles. These can add up to significant downtime over the weeks and months; but with Iveco, our productivity is increased and we aren’t wasting drivers’ hours. When the time came to replace our 32-tonner, Iveco was top of our shopping list.”
JW Crowther specified the new Stralis X-WAY with Iveco’s ‘OFF’ chassis specification, with this set-up combining excellent ground clearance with an approach angle greater than 25 degrees. The vehicle features an improved steel bumper, to provide additional protection when carrying out the company’s main work shifting muck from construction sites across Yorkshire.
“Our drivers were impressed with how well the truck handles both on- and off-road,” Crowther added. “Putting one to work in our fleet for a week confirmed this was the right truck for the job, and we know the team at [dealer Northern Commercials, based in Brighouse] can give us dedicated aftersales support when we need it.”
The Stralis X-WAY is powered by Iveco’s 11.1-litre Cursor 11 engine delivering up to 420hp and 2,000 Nm of torque. Mounted with a Townend tipper body, it has features including air conditioning, Bluetooth, reversing cameras and factory-fitted satellite navigation.
Other key features include Iveco’s 12-speed HI-TRONIX transmission, which offers advanced functionalities for off-road driving such as automatic rocking mode to disengage the vehicle when stuck, or ‘creep’ mode for optimal control at very low speeds.
Likely to remain in service until 2026, the truck will clock up about 100,000 km a year.
