Harpers Feeds grows with Renault Trucks
Harpers Feeds, a Devon-based agricultural feed specialist, has taken delivery of its first vehicles from Renault Trucks from local dealer Sparks Commercials, with two new Renault Trucks C P8X4*4 tridem vehicles joining the fleet.
Harpers Feeds is headquartered in Holsworthy, and supplies feed for animals to farmers and merchants, serving customers across the south west of England. The firm, which operates a fleet of 35 curtain sides and bulkers, decided to diversify from a previous single-brand strategy to help optimise service levels and dealer support coverage.
“The feedback from other operators using Renault Trucks products was positive, and the similarities to our existing tridems gave us confidence in making the switch to Renault Trucks,” said Colin Taylor, Harpers Feeds’ operations development and support manager.
“The tridem configuration works really well for us; our drivers get great manoeuvrability to access tight gateways and farm entrances, but we still keep the full 18-tonne payload capacity.”
The vehicles’ body configurations differ depending on their specific delivery requirements. A curtain side truck, which features a sleeper cab for longer-distance operations, carries feed to customers across the south west region – while a drop side tridem delivers equipment and supplies for farming and agriculture from the Massey Harpers stores to customers in Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall.
The two tridems are powered by 13-litre engines producing 480hp and 2,400Nm torque, paired with a 12-speed Optidriver automated gearbox said to promote smooth, economical driving. The vehicles have a tight 9.2-metre kerb-to-kerb turning circle, aiding access to farmyards and narrow lanes.
“The drop side will be used to deliver some of the bigger items such as fencing, troughs, cattle gates and crushes that our Massey Harpers country store supplies direct to customers,” said Colin.
“Service is absolutely key to us. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver on time, in full, to our farming customers. Having trucks that can reliably access every farm, regardless of how challenging the driveway might be, is essential for maintaining that service promise.”
The vehicles were specified with features including advanced safety systems, Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheels, LED headlights with daytime running lights, Moffett truck-mounted forklifts, and an Optibrake+ retarder for enhanced braking.
“As a business, we combine the latest technical knowledge with a strong focus on customer service and family values,” Colin continued.
“We understand that every farm is unique, so we offer a wide range of products for all systems and species. Running our own delivery fleet, it’s crucial our vehicles are not just reliable but also flexible to access narrow farm lanes and tight turning circles – the new Renault Trucks tridems provide just that.”
The tridems have been purchased outright, and Harpers Feeds has taken a seven-year R&M contract with Sparks Commercials.
“Our dealings with the team at Sparks Commercials has been very positive,” said Colin.
“Great communication throughout the buying process and nothing has been too much trouble. We share similar values as businesses, and we are looking forward to growing the relationship with Sparks going forwards.”
Sparks Commercials’ Elliot Tratt handled the sale. He said: “We’re delighted to welcome Harpers Feeds to the Renault Trucks family. Their decision to trust us with their first Renault Trucks vehicles is testament to both the quality of the Renault Trucks C tridem products and our commitment to providing exceptional service levels.”
