Across its six depots, the company has a large and varied fleet ranging from small vans up to full HGVs delivering the equipment it hires out.
This time, director Nigel Turner opted for his first new Volvo truck to be a drawbar unit with crane. Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, the FH-420 6x2 Globetrotter rigid features Volvo’s D13K engine and I-Shift automated gearbox together with an uprated 10-tonne front axle, Dynamic Steering and a steered tag axle at the rear.
Turner explains: “We do a lot of work on construction sites where access can be very tight, so the lifting, steering axle along with Dynamic Steering will make the job a lot easier.”
He reports that initial reactions have been positive. “The driver was a bit apprehensive to start with because he's never had an automated manual transmission system on site work, but Volvo’s driver trainer came and spent a couple of hours with him and he now loves it to bits!”
Adlington Welding Supplies is FORS Silver accredited, so it's vital that office staff can manage vehicle performance statistics. “As well as the fuel economy, the technology in the truck impressed me,” says Nigel. “We need to keep a record of CO2 emissions and data such as engine idling times and we can get all that from the Dynafleet system.”
He adds that he has been so pleased that he is buying a new truck for its Luton depot as well.