Cedartone – an independent trailer rental and management specialist – is claiming to dispel the myth that disc brakes are uneconomical to run on fleet and rental trailers. The reason…….a four and a half year old reefer which, in more than half a million kilometres (310,685 miles), has only required one new set of brake pads.
The East Midlands-based company says the 26-pallet, 13.6m tri-axle Schmitz Cargobull reefer – purchased in 2007 – has proven to be a cost-effective and reliable investment which has served a long-term rental contract on national and regional distribution operations for up to six days a week.
“A fridge trailer to a small company like ours is a significant upfront investment,” said Stuart Robinett, Owner of Cedartone. “Prudent cost management is essential; what may be a modest problem to some fleets may be something that costs me a disproportionate amount of money.
“It’s up to every rental company to make their own judgements on what equipment is best suited to their operations, but I find Schmitz Cargobull trailers some of the most reliable and cost-effective on the market.
“Given the high mileage covered, the minimal maintenance the trailer has needed certainly disputes the view that disc brake systems are significantly more costly to run in comparison to traditional drum brakes. In its four and a half years of continuous use, the trailer has not suffered any mechanical or structural failures, which is very impressive.”
Cedartone, which typically operates its trailers for between five and six years, cites the two top considerations when specifying both reefers and curtainsiders as low cost of operation and high residual value versus capital cost.
Schmitz Cargobull S.KO reefers feature patented FERROPLAST® insulated panels – made up of quality expanded, closed cell, polyurethane foam housed between steel skins – offering vapour diffusion-tight surfaces which are energy efficient, hygienic and age-resistant.
“Importantly to me, Schmitz Cargobull reefer trailers command strong residuals and are saleable across numerous European markets – giving me the best flexibility and profit potential when they finish their time with us,” added Stuart.
The company has a contract fleet of three curtainsider and three refrigerated trailers. It also looks after a further 15 trailers and 11 other vehicles under local fleet management contracts.
