MAN UK

Entering the sugar beet harvesting season with new MAN trucks

MAN Zuckerrübenkampagne
Trucker's World

Sweet mission. Hard job.

It’s autumn in Lower Saxony. The fields around Braunschweig have been harvested, the air smells of soil and diesel - it’s sugar beet time. For the Agricultural Services Cooperative Velpke, this means: high season.

  

Since the beginning of September, brand-new MAN TGS 18.440 vehicles have been operating in three-shift operation on country roads and farm tracks in the district of Helmstedt. The Velpke Agricultural Services Cooperative (LDG) purchased 23 tractors for the start of the annual sugar beet season.

“Our old MAN TGAs have been reliably in service for over 15 years, with up to 1.5 million kilometres on the clock,” says Thomas Minge, director of LDG. “But now it was time for a refresh.” The new vehicles stand for more comfort and more efficiency. The Lion brand was called for once again.

We unanimously decided to buy MAN again. The reliability, the good maintenance and the feedback from our drivers convinced us. “

LDG has been a commercial transport company since September 2024. What used to be a cooperative of farmers is now a professional business with its own administration, permanent staff and a clear mission: transport sugar beets for Nordzucker. The team moves up to 600,000 tonnes per season, from September to February. From the farms in the region to the factories, as far as Uelzen, for example. And that around the clock, six days a week.

No beating these guys: the campaign drivers

You have to be ready for the sugar beet season. “We don't just drive on the road,” emphasises Thomas. "Our drivers also have to cope on farm tracks, gravel roads and sometimes even in the field. Those who have driven during the season no longer need driving safety training." Incidentally, a single season quickly adds up to 100,000 kilometres per vehicle - that’s more than most cars manage all year round.

This makes the new vehicles even more important. The new MAN TGS are more than just work equipment. They are a place of refuge for long shifts while also being a flagship for the company.

We deliberately chose the large cab with bed. Anyone who drives at night also needs to be able to rest. This is important to us - also as a sign of appreciation towards our drivers. “

Everyone enjoys sugar - it wouldn't exist without us.

Most drivers are regulars, many with an agricultural background. They know what they are doing - and they know what they are driving. “Our trucks have always been green,” says Thomas. "People know us in the region. When we are loading, children stop and watch." The sugar beet harvest unites the entire region.

And the LDG team can be proud of this. “Without us, there would be no sugar for Coca-Cola or Haribo,” says Thomas. “We bring sugar to where it’s needed - even when it’s freezing outside and the road is muddy.”

TW_Zuckerruebe_11.jpg