We’ve been out in the paddocks before with a fifth generation Mercedes-Benz Arocs spreader. But the spreading game is constantly evolving and there are always regional preferences and new specifications to be put to the test.

The Lumsden depot of Healy Transport/THL is home to three Mercedes-Benz spreaders and a Volvo FH bulk unit. The newest of the spreader trio is this 2022 Arocs 1843 4x4 Compact Space Cab, named `Blaze’ and finished in the company’s bold red and blue colours.

The truck was ordered pre-Covid, arrived in early 2022 and when Winton-based McMaster Engineering had completed the bin build it was October 2022 when it joined its three-point star stablemates – a 2017 Actros 1836 and 2013 Axor 1833 – in the field.

The availability of some new specification options, Lance Healy’s experience with the company’s existing Benz duo and the conditions encountered in rural Southland led to some specific equipment choices for the new Arocs.

The spreading game… it’s a specialised part of the transport industry I had very limited exposure to until Allied Publications became involved with the inhouse magazine of the NZ GroundSpread Association a couple of years ago.

Since then, I’ve realised there is a lot more to this sector of the industry than meets the eye. 

At first glance it seems like there’s a wide range of owner and operator preferences in regard to spreader truck brands, specs and equipment build – with a big part of it being the geography.

Where in the country will the truck work and what will it be spreading? It’s a whole scope of decision making often based on years of experience. It’s actually just like the farmer who knows his land like the back of his hand.