Supplied by dealer Crossroads Truck and Bus, of Birstall, the 80-tonner has a Globetrotter cab and is powered by Volvo’s D13K engine producing 533bhp. The Boothtown, Halifax-based operator also chose the I-Shift Crawler automated manual transmission, with deep multi-speed reverse gears.
The vehicle has a 3,200mm wheelbase with rear air suspension, a rear bogie capacity of 23 tonnes and a 10-tonne front axle.
Director Andrew Garside says: “We use a three-axle step frame trailer, equipped with a crane, so when the time came to replace a lorry on the fleet, we chose the FH-540 for the power it brings.”
Traction is an issue, he adds, so a double-drive vehicle was essential.
“We pull a semi low-loader with a 67-tonne crane on the back of it and don’t want to get stuck on sites. We might be doing a job in Halifax for example, where there are cobbled streets and hills to contend with. We need to get in, do the job and then get out, so we chose Volvo over all the others.”
Jonathan Garside, fellow director at the family-run firm, adds: “The vehicle does exactly what we want. It was the complete package and we are happy with it.
“It’s out there today earning its keep and it’s all about the power.”