The family-owned business has grown from producing 40,000-tonnes of feed annually to over 200,000 tonnes last year. Operating a 35-strong fleet of curtain sides and bulkers, Harpers Feeds decided to diversify from its previous single-brand strategy to ensure optimal service levels and dealer support coverage across its operating areas.
“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, Operations Development and Support Manager at Harpers Feeds. "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 new tridems feature different body configurations for specific delivery requirements. The curtain side truck, equipped with a sleeper cab for longer-distance deliveries, carries feed including game feed to customers across the South West. The drop side tridem delivers farming and agricultural equipment and supplies from the Massey Harpers stores to customers across Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. Both tridems are powered by Renault Trucks’ efficient 13-litre engines producing 480hp and 2400Nm of torque, coupled with a 12-speed Optidriver automated gearbox for smooth and economical driving.
"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," explained Colin.
The new trucks’ tight 9.2-metre kerb-to-kerb turning circle further aids access into narrow lanes and farmyards, a key operational advantage for Harper Feeds.
"Service is absolutely key to us," Colin continued. "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."
Both vehicles feature comprehensive specification including LED lighting, advanced safety systems, Alcoa Dura-Bright aluminium wheels with tyre pressure monitoring, LED headlights with daytime running lights, Optibrake+ retarder for enhanced braking, and Moffett truck-mounted forklifts. The investment represents part of Harpers Feeds' ongoing commitment to fleet modernisation, with the company operating a seven-year replacement cycle.
"As a business, we combine the latest technical knowledge with a strong focus on customer service and family values," explains Colin. "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."
Harpers Feeds has bought both vehicles outright and has taken a seven-year R&M contract with Sparks Commercials. Colin praised the dealer relationship: "Our dealings with the team at Sparks Commercials has been very positive. 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."
Elliot Tratt from Sparks Commercials, who handled the sale, commented: "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."