Jim Yule spends his days transporting heavy timber through Scottish forests with the help of his resilient Arocs 2553

A family tradition.

Owner-driver Jim Yule runs a timber haulage business in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The company was founded in 1975 by his father James C. Yule and Jim has carried on the tradition, proudly bearing his name James W. Yule on his truck. Jim’s son James K. Yule will also be joining the family when he takes his HGV driving test this summer.

The job is a tough one, with Jim spending the majority of his time deep in the Fetteresso Forest, up to half an hour’s drive from the nearest tarmac road, but his days are made easier by his mighty Arocs.

A tricky terrain is never a problem.

The 6x2 Arocs 2553 with tag axle, ensures his journeys are smooth – as Jim puts it, “Its high ground clearance means deep ruts and bumps are never a problem, and lifting the rear axle enables me to gain more traction from the drive axle should I need it, while also improving manoeuvrability for tight turns.”

Comfort is also important to Jim, so it’s a bonus the truck has a flat-floored 2.5 metre-wide version of the aerodynamic StreamSpace cab.

Impressive power and safety features.

The Arocs packs a punch – its advanced 12.8-litre straight-six engine produces 390 kW (530 hp) and drives through a Mercedes-Benz PowerShift 3 automated transmission. A Safety Pack is fitted as standard, including the ground-breaking Active Brake Assist 4 technology which can recognise pedestrians, as well as Proximity Control Assist.

Jim’s tractor unit pulls a specialised Dennison timber trailer with Hiab Loglift crane with its own weather-proof cabin, so he can easily load and unload the heavy logs. However, the immense power and equipment of the Arocs doesn’t slow him down, “My truck is significantly lighter than a 6x4 tractor, and the resulting increase in payload capacity makes for higher productivity – it really is the ideal package,” explains a thrilled Jim.

– Jim Yule

Buster approves!

This is Jim’s second Arocs truck and it’s certainly a beauty. Finished in metallic green, it blends easily into the forest surroundings with sleek additions including a top-mounted Kelsa lightbar and beacons, an aluminium chequer-plate catwalk, alloy wheels and headlamp protectors.

Even Jim’s beloved pedigree Miniature Schnauzer, Buster is a fan, “Buster had a good old sniff around the new truck before deciding it was okay. He really liked my previous Arocs…he soon convinced himself that all was well, and now he’s really at home in the cab.”

Buster often accompanies Jim when he climbs the hills above the rolling fields of Laurencekirk, so it pleases him to know Buster has given his paw print of approval!

Got an Arocs?

If you’re impressed with your Arocs, we’d love to know why and how it helps make your day easier. Share your views in the comment section.