With January well underway the first week of handovers did not disappoint. The first unit we delivered was a Scania 660 tag to Robinstown haulage. This fully loaded 660 comes with the following spec, Durabright alloys, colour coded full catwalk, Perimeter kit, led headboard, colour coded top kelsa bar with six oval LED lights, Air horns, V8 Pack, and far too many more to list. Best wishes to Raymond with his new 660 and many thanks for the continued business.
Brian Grennan Transport have taken delivery of this special R590 Tag. Finished in J Grennan’s & Son’s livery, this blue tag certainly stands out. A lovely truck, that is specified to an incredibly high standard which is the norm for Brian Grennan Transport. A massive thanks to Brian Grennan transport for their continued business. Keep an eye on our socials for more updates from Grennan’s…
It was a happy day for Nicholas O Brien as he took delivery of one of the most unique 8 X 4’s in the country. As you can see from our numerous Social media posts over the past few months we were quite excited about this truck. Not many trucks warrant a post when they are at an “Incomplete” Stage. The post of the unfinished truck reached almost 1 million views!
Scania 650s Rigid 8×4*4 incomplete
The truck itself is a Scania 650S 8X4*4, which means the first and last axle steer, while the third and fourth axle are driven. The body system on the truck has the ability to change from a tipper to a flatbed body which Nicholas uses the majority of the time for transporting concrete blocks from his base in Roadstone County Galway. The truck has this swap functionality due to the quality work carried out by Thomas Small and Sons bodybuilders in Claregalway, County Galway. Nicholas explained to us how easy it is to perform a change of truck bodies and that he can complete the whole task in under eight minutes.
Same but Different:
Nicholas explained to us about his business and operation and where the love for Scania began.
I started off driving for my father over 20 years ago, driving Hino’s and after a few years of that, I branched off and went out working for myself. I’m with Roadstone now over 22 years. I got the first Scania in 2000 and haven’t looked back since
Nicholas 650 loaded with blocks in Clifden
Nicholas explained to me the differences between his older model 580 and his new 650.
A lad I know who had an R series tractor unit and he changed it for a NTG S cab, said there was no comparison between the old PGR model and current NTG. I didn’t believe there could be such a difference. But the way the new model truck handles the road, the quietness when you’re inside the cab and every other little detail is what really sets the newer model apart
When asked what was his favourite aspect of the NTG compared to the PGR series, Nicolas said:
“If I had to pick one difference I like the most it would have to be the improved steering lock. The lock on the 580 was great, I couldn’t fault it. But the lock on this truck is even better and I didn’t think that was possible. But all in all it’s a combination of every little detail, the truck is the same in terms of wheelbases and configuration but there is no comparison between the two trucks”
The new truck is certainly an eye-catcher
Nicholas explained to me how he is blown away by the reaction he has received on his new 650S.
My previous truck was a 580 hp Scania of the same 8 x 4 configuration, and I didn’t feel it got the attention it deserved but this new 650 I have now has blown me away with the amount of attention it has received. Between all the text messages, WhatsApp, and Facebook messages I am genuinely delighted.
Scania 650 s 8×4*4
Eric and everyone at Westward Scania wish Nicholas all the best with his new Scania and we look forward to seeing pictures of this truck hard at work. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more up to date posts. Why not build your own version of this truck like Nicholas did on the Scaniaconfigurator
David Simon Transport was established in 2014. A company based near Geevagh, Co. Sligo, David is an owner-operator and is a real example of what hard work and dedication can achieve. In his own words David says, “We try to specialise in offering a more personalised service to customers than a lot of the bigger hauliers cannot do, due to their size.”
The majority of David’s work consists of transporting goods via flat trailers, fridges, containers, and curtain-siders all across Ireland and sometimes further afield to the UK and Europe. An average day for David consists of loading containers in Dublin port he says “these loads can be for delivery to any part of the country, from a house delivery to a multinational company”.
David’s Trucks:
David Simon Transport currently run two Scania trucks, A 2019 Scania S520 and a 2003 Scania 164 480. David say’s
“Since I started driving trucks, Scania has always been my preference in trucks. The attention to detail for the driver has always been something I have admired from Scania as well as the performance and comfort. In 2016 I bought a new R450 top line from Westward Scania, from sales to service, and everyone in between I have never been let down by anyone which prompted me to go back and in 2019. I traded the R450 for a new S520 Highline”
When asked about his latest purchase Scania S520
“So far I’m very happy with the way the 520 is performing. It has the extra horsepower but doesn’t come with a big fuel penalty in return. I think it’s a great combination of power and economy”
Why choose Scania?
“As time is a huge factor to my business, reliability is of the utmost importance. Scania trucks have always been known as a long lasting reliable product. Some of the older models I have driven down through the years have had near 2 million kilometres on them and still going strong. The resale value of Scania trucks especially the V8 models has always been a great benefit in the long term also.
“It leaves you with an asset and not a liability”
What has being your favourite truck throughout the years?
“I’ve always been a big fan of the 164. These were the real driver’s trucks from a legendary era in trucking. I still have one working every week, if they’re looked after right these trucks will go forever and put a smile on your face every time you turn the key!
COVID 19 and other Challenges
Covid 19 has really shown how vital our supply chains are, how has it made your work harder?
“Covid 19 has tested us all in so many ways both in business and of course on a social level. One of the biggest challenges any trucker in Ireland faced on a daily basis was simply getting fed. Even now it’s still not easy as a lot of the regular truck stops are closed and the sad part is some may never open again.
During Covid 19 it was clear to see the strong industries in this country as they never ceased. Agriculture mainly comes to mind, we cannot forget how important agriculture is to Ireland, when everyone else was at home the farmers and the truckers never stopped to keep shelves stocked”, according to David.
Bar Covid 19, what are the main challenges facing owner-operators such as yourself?
“Road haulage has always been a challenging industry. In recent years getting people with a genuine interest in driving has proven difficult. I think more money and time needs to be invested into this by hauliers and by the government, as we’ve all seen recently truck drivers play a very important role in the economy and incentivising more professional people into this industry defiantly needs to be looked at seriously”
Hard work pays off:
Everyone at Westward Scania was delighted to hear of David winning “Owner Driver Haulier of the Year 2020”. This award celebrated the best in class for owner-operators. and it was nice that David’s hard work was rewarded. We wish David continued success and we are delighted he choose Westward and Scania.
