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

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.

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. 

Photography: Vojta Kubec