Tincknell Fuels orders third Volvo narrow-track tanker 16 June 2010

The first two Volvo narrow-track fuel tankers in the UK capable of carrying 11,000-litres have been successfully plying their trade with Tincknell Fuels of Wells in Somerset.

So successfully that Tincknell has already placed additional orders.

Tincknell Fuels' operations manager Mike Brown says the tankers, which are plated for 16-tonnes gross, have been equipped with purpose-built single wheels and tyres on the drive axle, and have an overall width of just under 2.3-metres.

"Many of our heating oil customers live in remote areas of Somerset, Devon and North Dorset, where access can be a real problem," says Brown. "What we needed was a short wheelbase truck with a good turning circle, together with a narrower overall width."

Volvo's product engineering team at Warwick specified and built the vehicles. Volvo Trucks sector account manager John McCluskey emphasis the point that the Narrow Track FL provides a practical solution to narrow roads without moving to a lower gvw rigid tanker.

McCluskey, who led the project, also points out that the tankers' 3.5 metre wheelbase means good manoeuvrability, which, when coupled to the 11,000 litre payload, makes for a very productive truck for rural environments.

In brief detail, the tankers are powered by a seven-litre Volvo diesel rated at 240hp, and have been equipped with a Magyar tank body, with only minor modifications on the line at the factory. Beyond that, eight-stud wheels and Goodyear 455/45 R22.5 super single tyres were retrofitted to the rear axle prior to delivery.

Author
Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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