10-tonne front axle clinches first Volvo deal for Pickerings Plant 19 December 2014

Pickerings Plant has taken delivery of two new series Volvo FM 6x2 rigid trucks equipped with the 10-tonne front axle, and promptly ordered another six.

These are the first Volvos for the Measham, Leicestershire-based firm, which says the improved weight distribution and loading tolerance suits its operation well – not least because they have been equipped with Fassi cranes, mounted behind the cab.

Transport manager Kevin Barber explains that one of the new trucks will carry construction plant, while the other transports accommodation and welfare units.

Unladen weight of the plant-bodied FM, including the crane, heavy-duty bodywork and steel wheels, is 16,464kg, and a typical load is around 9,200kg, he says.

Its 14.4 metre reach, five-stage, chassis-mounted Fassi F455 crane – installed by Central Crane Technicians, in Chesterfield – allows the truck to be loaded in a straight line over the back of the body.

Also, the 7.62 metre bodywork has been equipped with extendable twist locks and a mechanically-operated chain box to minimise manual handling. Overall length of this rigid is 11.60 metres.

Meanwhile, the FM specified for accommodation and welfare units transport tares out at around 17,869kg. It has been equipped with a Fassi 365, medium duty, knuckle boom crane, with a 10.2 metre reach and cheese wedge loading ramps.

Pickerings Plant currently operates a fleet of 22 rigids at 26 tonnes gvw out of 11 locations around England and Wales, with new depots and more trucks being added in response to growth – the latest in Maidstone and Tiverton.

Barber says growth and nationwide coverage are the reasons for its choice of sleeper cabs on its new Volvo FMs – providing the option of nights out accommodation, if and when needed.

Each FM was specified with Volvo's Euro 6 D11K 11-litre 330bhp engine mated to the I-Shift automated gearbox. The single drive axle and single-wheeled tag axle are air suspended, with the tag axle lifts, but does not steer.

Maintenance will be carried out on a Volvo Repair & Maintenance contract at dealership Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, Bardon, Leicestershire.

Author
Brian Tinham

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