It’s ten out of ten for Iveco’s ACCO 8 x 4 agitator models, as far as Tim Mellor, Managing Director of Leebo Transport Services is concerned.

Tim commenced his business in 2005 with another European truck, trying two other brands over the next few years. When he was presented with the opportunity to expand his business, it was to the Iveco ACCO he turned to, purchasing his first, a 10x4, in 2011.

Since then he has added about two a year, and now enjoys an exclusively Iveco fleet of ten ACCOs, including five of the current 8x4 model, all purchased through Adtrans Truck Centre in Melbourne.

“I have been very happy with the ACCOs,” Tim said. “From my experience over the past ten years there is no cab and chassis combination better suited to the agitator application.”

That the trucks are locally engineered is a real bonus too, as Tim strongly supports the idea of buying localised product, where possible.  

“Purchasing an Australian-engineered truck was at the forefront of our thinking when swapping over to the ACCOs. I’m aware Iveco has been developing trucks here for many years, so they’re pretty familiar with what’s best suited to local needs and conditions,” he said. 

“Last year I did a tour of the site in Dandenong. It was a great experience, but apart from that, quite simply the ACCO presents the best value and the best set of features for the job.”

Among these, Tim considers electronic stability control (ESC) to be of critical importance with the agitator application. Some readymix concrete companies, including two Leebo works for, now make ESC a mandatory requirement for their sub-contractors’ vehicles. Tim opted for this feature as soon as it became available, and all five of his latest ACCO 8 x 4s have it.

The front and rear airbag suspension is another standout feature. Leebo Transport Services currently employs 12 drivers. According to Tim, those who worked with other brands before coming to Leebo all said they couldn’t believe the ride of the ACCO when they first drove one.

“Driver feedback is an important part of our business. Some drivers had only used other brands, but in all cases when they got into an ACCO their first drive was enough to impress them. In fact some have been amazed at the range of features that come standard on the ACCOs,” Tim said.

“The unanimous reaction of our drivers has been that this truck is the best on the market for agitator use.”

Integral ergonomic features of the ACCO cab, a solid steel construction, include large, non-slip self-cleaning steps; three point contact for ingress and egress; and an optimal driver field of vision.

“A feature particularly popular with drivers is the low cabin entry height, making it easier for them to get in and out. The new dashboard has also won many plaudits. For me as the business owner, the internal cab layout being ready for application specific fit-out is also a real advantage,” Tim added.

“The premium American driveline is another important factor of the ACCOs, providing reliability and longevity.” 

A further competitive advantage with Tim’s ACCOs is the increased productivity gained from their industry-leading low tare weight, which is enhanced by the use of an AADS light-weight agitator body.

“Based on our experience, the set of specifications on the ACCO is bullet-proof for the agitator application. Our Iveco trucks haven’t missed a beat during this time,” Tim said.

Functionality aside, Tim is also complimentary of the ACCOs’ low whole-of-life costing benefits.

“Iveco is very good with their warranty, servicing and back-up.  It’s obvious to me that I made the correct decision, considering the great run we’ve had with the ACCOs all the way through.”

Tim’s experience with his Iveco fleet, in terms of dealership relationships, servicing and parts availability, has also made him a strong believer in running a uniform truck fleet.

“This way we are well aware of all the costs of running our fleet; it sets us up perfectly for servicing. Everyone we deal with at both outlets is on the same page, and with the trucks being looked after and doing their job, we can get on with doing our job.”

Tim describes Leebo Transport Services as a small, family-run business.

“We’re a no-fuss operation, involving myself, my wife, and the company’s go-to man, our 11-year-old son,” Tim said.

“Building relationships is essential for the successful running of our business. Our smooth dealings with Adtrans and Melbourne Truck Centre are a core component of this. Equally so is our connection with the readymixed concrete companies we sub-contract to, including Hy-Tec. They are all very pro-active regarding safety, including with the specifications of the trucks we use.

“Iveco is at the forefront in this aspect of their design and specifications, which I totally support and agree with. As a package, our experience with an expanding business shows the ACCO can’t be beaten for transporting readymix concrete. No matter how many ACCOs we run in the future, I have every confidence they’ll continue to get a ten out of ten from me.”

Iveco
Iveco Australia manufactures and imports commercial vehicles spanning the light, medium and heavy duty truck segments and, under the Iveco Bus brand, buses and coaches. The commercial vehicle range includes on and off-road models beginning with car licence vans, through to road train prime movers rated at up to 140 tonnes GCM. The ACCO and Powerstar vehicles, developed and produced specifically for the Australian market, complement Iveco’s worldwide best sellers such as the Daily, Eurocargo, Trakker and Stralis. Iveco vehicles are ably supported by a dedicated network of 50 dealerships and service outlets strategically located nationwide, offering aftersales services that include extended warranties, roadside assistance and programmed maintenance contracts.

Iveco’s Australian manufacturing base in Dandenong Victoria, represents a major investment in the local truck and bus industry. Iveco directly employs around 600 people nationwide and thousands more Australians in related industries, from retailing operations to component suppliers.

Iveco is a brand of CNH Industrial N.V., a World leader in Capital Goods listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CNHI) and on the Mercato Telematico Azionario of the Borsa Italiana (MI: CNHI). Iveco designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of light, medium and heavy commercial vehicles, off-road trucks, and vehicles for applications such as off-road missions.

Iveco employs close to 21,000 individuals globally. It manages production sites in seven countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America where it produces vehicles featuring the latest advanced technologies. 4,200 sales and service outlets in over 160 countries guarantee technical support wherever an Iveco vehicle is at work.

Iveco employs close to 21,000 individuals globally. It manages production sites in 7 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania and Latin America where it produces vehicles featuring the latest advanced technologies. 4,200 sales and service outlets in over 160 countries guarantee technical support wherever an Iveco vehicle is at work.

For further information about Iveco: www.iveco.com
For further information about Iveco Australia: www.iveco.com.au
For further information about CNH Industrial: www.cnhindustrial.com

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David Garcia
IMA-STW Group
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Email: david@imab2b.com