Norfolk haulier Jack Richards and Son is keeping things simple at Euro 4 – by putting its eggs in the SCR technology basket.

It is this system that’s fitted to the company’s latest trucks: 10 BlueTec® 4 Mercedes-Benz Actros 2544 tractor units.

Proponents of the rival EGR solution claim theirs is the simpler system, because it does not require any extra additives and relies solely on engine management to achieve tough emissions targets.

But Peter Brown, Jack Richards’ new and highly-experienced Managing Director, begs to differ.

“Whether you do so in the engine or in the exhaust system, you have to clean the emissions,” he asserts. “And we consider SCR, which does the latter, to be the simpler option. It’s a more elegant engineering solution.”

SCR – selective catalytic reduction – uses the non-toxic, aqueous reduction agent AdBlue, which is carried in a separate tank, and a catalytic converter, to reduce nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions, while a more efficient combustion reduces particulate emissions.

“We looked very closely at the two technologies in the run up to Euro 4, and we prefer the idea of a simplified engine management system, and dealing with the pollutants in the exhaust chamber,” says Mr Brown. “The EGR approach is trying to over-engineer an answer.”

The former Managing Director of Securicor Omega Logistics, whose career also includes 10 years in a senior post with Russell Davies, continues: “Our new Actros are looking very economical on fuel. They’re still bedding in but we’re already seeing returns of around 0.4mpg better than we expected, which is a significant bonus.

“And the day to day handling of AdBlue is really not an issue. Yes, the price keeps changing. But as it’s getting cheaper all the time, that’s a problem we’re happy to live with!”

Supplied by Norwich dealer Orwell Truck and Van, Jack Richards’ new Actros are equipped with the latest, 12-speed, fully electronic Mercedes-Benz PowerShift automated transmissions. They have lined up alongside the company’s first Mercedes, eight Axor 2543 tractors supplied by Orwell three years ago.

Jack Richards is based in Fakenham and has a second depot in Northwich, Cheshire. Historically a flagship ERF operator, it now runs a mixed fleet of around 150 tractor units.

The company’s Fakenham site is home to a general haulage operation, which uses trailers in its instantly-recognisable yellow livery, and works for clients including Kellogg’s, Lever and Premier Foods. The Mercedes are double-shifted and also work on its local Palletways contract, hauling new, step-framed, twin-deck curtainsiders. Fakenham is also home to a commercial vehicle workshop and an MoT station.