The operator’s mixed fleet ranges from small vans up to 44-tonners and, when it was time to update one of the 7.5-tonne vehicles, owner Sean Sample wanted something with more muscle.
He explains: “I decided to replace it with something a little heavier. Nowadays 7.5-tonners can’t carry the same weight with the more modern technology on them, and I wanted to fill that gap between 7.5 and 18 tonnes, too.”
After evaluating the market and discussing options with dealer Crossroads Truck and Bus, in Birstall, Sample opted for Volvo. “I was going to order a 12-tonner, but we discovered we could up it to 16 tonnes on the same chassis. That would return a much better payload, so we went for it.”
An FL516 4x2 with rear air suspension and Volvo’s D5K240 engine, the new addition is also equipped with a Hatcher sleeper pod above the day cab and a ROCO curtainside body.
“We don’t ever like to say no to a customer, so when we buy a new vehicle we like to cover all options,” adds Sample.
The FL is supplied on a four-year Volvo Gold R&M contract.