Heavy machinery for building sites: Manuel Ángel Casal drives an Arocs 4853

Clouds of white smoke billow over the quarry. As every morning, Manuel Ángel Casal arrives to pick up blasted quarry rock in his Arocs 4853. Without his delivery, the construction of a new section of the A-54 motorway, would grind to a halt.

"Building a motorway in Galicia is a big deal", says Manuel. The landscape of mountains and valleys is much more challenging for road builders than the flat land found elsewhere. Aqueducts and bridges must be erected, slopes filled or hills levelled to build the A-54.

Despite these hindrances, the construction of the motorway segment has picked up speed: traffic is already using the first section of the route between Santiago de Compostela and Arzúa. The last section has already been approved. To ensure that construction continues quickly, the company Batan Arenal (that employs Manuel and his colleagues) uses an entire fleet of Arocs to deliver the rock required for the twelve-kilometre stretch.

The third delivery of the day is due. Manuel is still conducting a routine walk-around inspection of the dump truck before loading. He checks the truck's condition several times a day. And it’s worthwhile: a stone has got wedged between the dual wheels.

Manuel takes a chisel from his tool bag and removes the stone, which is approximately 20 cm long and 12 cm wide. Satisfied, he starts loading the truck.

Well lubricated for better performance.

On his way to the unloading point, Manuel sees at first hand how many people it takes to manage the task. Surveyors, road construction workers, engineers, bridge builders and, of course, drivers like himself.

Between his trips, Manuel Ángel takes a short break to lubricate the hydraulic cylinders of the Aroc's dump body. He notes the day and time. "It’s a quirk of mine", he admits. "I like to keep track of maintenance and cleaning".

He’s back on the road. A steep spot has became particularly slippery due to heavy rainfall on the previous day so he slows down. He pulls through this tricky section easily. "I can rely on the 8x6 drive of my Arocs one hundred percent."

Incredibly versatile.

The 49-year-old has been behind the wheel for 25 years and is still full of enthusiasm. "The Arocs is very easy to steer, even when fully loaded." In addition to engine power, Manuel also values the turbo retarder clutch, particularly when driving on asphalt. "It minimises wear and spares the brake pads. And it brakes the truck extremely reliably."

Doing any other job would be unthinkable for the truck driver. He enjoys his day-to-day work and chatting with colleagues far too much. "We tell each other what happened during the day or compare the performance of the various trucks. We always come to the same conclusion: Mercedes‑Benz is unbeatable for construction sites."

The family man looks forward to driving his wife and two children in their car along the new motorway he is currently involved in building: "I will appreciate every smooth segment and straight stretch because I know just how much work went into it."

Photo: Begoña Tremps