The FH12 was acquired in 2009 and, says Midwest Plant’s director Eirig Davies, “it has stood the test of time better than I expected, so it made sense to look at Volvo for its replacement”.
Supplied by Truck and Bus Wales and West, the new FH16 is a 6x4 unit, plated for 80-tonne operations. It is equipped with a 12-speed I-Shift Crawler gearbox and Tandem Axle Lift.
“When Tandem Axle Lift became available for 80-tonne applications, that sold the new Volvo to us,” says Davies. “We operate frequently on narrow forest tracks with restricted turning and reversing areas. These are often adjacent to steep mountain sides, so the ability to reduce our turning circles when running empty is a real benefit.”
The gearbox also features deep multi-speed reverse gears with a ratio of 37:1. The 3,200mm wheelbase tractor unit has a Globetrotter cab, single reduction drive axles and high ground clearance with a low offset front axle beam.
It has been specified with Volvo’s Drive plus+ package and Living package with two beds.