Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, the 6,000mm wheelbase, 8x4 T-Ride chassis is designed for a maximum 120-tonne operation.
Powered by Volvo’s D13K engine rated at 533bhp, the Globetrotter-cabbed FH also features an I-Shift Crawler automated transmission system with ultra-low crawler gears and deep multi-speed reversing gears.
Alpha also opted for uprated steel parabolic spring suspension for the eight-tonne front axles. Safety systems include electronic anti-twist and self-level devices, backed up by full remote control, as well as additional lighting.
The Composite Sliding Rotator (CSR) 50/65 recovery body was manufactured by NRC Industries, in Canada, then imported and fitted by York-based Dave Bland Engineering.
The 50-tonne CSR can operate at its maximum capacity with its boom retracted to first stage, while the extended third stage boom has a 12-tonne lift capacity. It also has a 9.2m maximum reach past body and a 13.4m ultimate boom working height.
Simon Narey, recovery manager at the Cramlington-based business, says: “The FH-540 takes over as our fleet flagship from a Classic FH16-660 8x4 rigid... We’ve used Volvo trucks for over 30 years it’s always been our number one marque.”
He adds: “With a number of city low emission zones now on the near horizon, we’re looking to invest in a modern fleet and the Euro VI Volvo FH rigid fits the bill.
“The new FH 540’s capabilities are impressive; it regularly assists the Fire and Rescue Services. The vehicle can turn its hand to anything and recently lifted a damaged, disused railway bridge out of harm’s way. That job was quite a spectacle.”