Double drive Volvo FH leads to costs savings for Welsh operator11 October 2012

A new Volvo FH 6x4 tractor unit operated by SJ Archer and Sons is already showing reduced operating costs, according to the ocompany.

Stan Archer, who owns the Llandovery, mid Wales firm, says that tyre wear on the 6x4 is better than on the 6x2 tag configuration he had before. Fuel figures are also "very acceptable", he says.

The 500bhp FH is operated as an on/off-road logging tractor, and uses Volvo's I-Shift gearbox, with its on- and off-road software.

While admitting that his company had been loyal to another truck supplier for the past eight years, owner Archer confirms that he had heard good reports about Volvo trucks and that the time had come "to give them a try".

The Volvo FH-500 6x4 tractor is coupled to a tri-axle Dennison logging trailer equipped with an Epsilon log-loader crane. It also features a Jost Lubetronic fifth wheel integral lubrication system, and Kelsa top bar with six spot lights.

To maximise the room available on the chassis, a special dual-compartment tank, capable of holding both diesel and hydraulic oil for the PTO-driven crane, was supplied and installed by Truck and Bus Wales & West.

Author
John Challen

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