Dřevařské centrum s.r.o. uses the new Arocs 3351 for transporting logs

Economics and Logistics

A trek in the forest.

Dřevařské centrum s.r.o. relies on the new Arocs for log transport operations. The company's Managing Director, Jan Petrásek, talks about what his employees and also he himself particularly like about the truck with the star.

A sound investment. Managing Director, Jan Petrásek, relies on Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicles since 2014.


Mr Petrásek, please could you tell our readers about the history of your business and describe the exact field in which you work?

Jan Petrásek: Dřevařské centrum s.r.o. was established at the end of 2012 specifically as a trading company specialising in the purchase and sale of wood for joinery, wooden building materials and combustible material. During the course of 2013, we started to use the sawmill in Bohdaneč near Kutná Hora. That was our first tentative step into independent production. From then on, it didn't take too long before we rented the sawmill at the beginning of last year and subsequently bought up the entire complex. A further milestone in the company's history came in 2014 when we expanded our business fields to include car transport. To this end, we bought a special tractor/trailer combination which we use for our own requirements and which we also rent out to local sawmills. Today, we saw more than 20 different types of wood and specialise mainly in the manufacture of wood for joinery purposes.


Modern drive system. Under the bonnet of the new Arocs 3351 hides the new, second-generation OM 471 six-cylinder inline engine.
Modern drive system. Under the bonnet of the new Arocs 3351 hides the new, second-generation OM 471 six-cylinder inline engine.
A forest trek.The new Arocs from Dřevařské centrum s.r.o. covers around 6000 kilometres per month – the vast majority of those on unsurfaced forest tracks.
A forest trek.The new Arocs from Dřevařské centrum s.r.o. covers around 6000 kilometres per month – the vast majority of those on unsurfaced forest tracks.

How long have you been using Mercedes-Benz vehicles and why did you choose the brand?

Jan Petrásek: We've been using Mercedes-Benz vehicles since 2014. For wood transport, we initially had a 6-year-old Actros 3344 tractor unit with EPSI-LON hydraulic arm and a semitrailer from Lemex. We opted for Mercedes-Benz because the brand was the cheapest at the time when we bought it. Time has proved that we made the right decision back then! In 2016, we invested in a new tractor unit and accessories. And as we need a special vehicle with 6×6 drive system and raised, reinforced chassis frame, we chose the Arocs 3351.

What differentiates your Arocs from other vehicles and what do you use it for?

Jan Petrásek: The main difference to regular tractor units is that our Arocs with forestry body is specifically equipped for log transport applications. Working in the tough conditions of the forest brings with it a whole host of immense demands in terms of functionality and reliability of the vehicles. Our off-road version of the Arocs tractor unit has higher front axle loads and a turbo retarder clutch. We use it predominantly on short journeys.



Our readers will surely be interested in hearing about the vehicle's average monthly mileage, its engine output and the consumption figures.

Jan Petrásek: Our Arocs certainly isn't a lazy vehicle! On average, we cover around 6000 kilometres per month in it. Under its bonnet, it hides the second-generation OM 471 six-cylinder inline engine with an output of 375 kW. This immense power makes our job much easier. Even the consumption is just right – including the hydraulic arm, we're looking at around 58 litres per 100 kilometres.

With which safety systems is the vehicle equipped? And does it have any optional equipment on-board?

Jan Petrásek: Our Arocs has, for example, ABS, the ASR anti-skid control feature and ESP. It also has a climate control system and an air-sprung cab which is really a necessity when you're working in rough conditions.

What are the plus points of the vehicle?

Jan Petrásek: First things first, its reliability. The Arocs has great driving characteristics in rough terrain. Despite it being a heavy-duty piece of equipment, it has impressively good and easy handling. That's also partly to do with the turbo retarder clutch which helps the vehicle effectively and safely brake without wearing down the clutch. 


From what you say, it looks like you're happy with the vehicle and that it has fulfilled your expectations.

Jan Petrásek: Yes, that's right. OK, we've only had the Arocs in our fleet for a brief period, but we can already confirm that the vehicle delivers on every promise that was made at the time of the purchase.

Do you also use other vehicles from the Mercedes-Benz brand?

Jan Petrásek: Yes. We have an eight-year-old Actros 3344, but we're currently working together with a bodybuilder to come up with its replacement – the second, newer Arocs 3351. In the future, we will therefore have two identical vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. The equipment of our fleet is currently sufficient for our requirements. 

What does the Mercedes-Benz brand mean to you and why did you choose it?

Jan Petrásek: For me, the brand is synonymous with quality. I have to say that the way in which Mercedes-Benz treats its customers also left a positive impression. Even after signing the contract, the employees devoted their attention to us – something which wasn't the case with other brands. In any case, I love the professionalism of the services, the adherence to planned appointments and the reliability. 


Photography: Vojta Kubec

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