Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Wales & West, the new addition is powered by a 12.8-litre D13K engine producing 540bhp and up to 2600Nm of torque, transmitted through a 12-speed I-Shift automated mechanical gearbox.
M&J Plant’s owner Kevan Hares said he looked for a vehicle on the Volvo Used Trucks network, but nothing suitable was available.
“Buying a used truck generally means you end up making do with someone else’s preferences,” he adds.
“Through buying new, I was able to specify the truck to my needs and this means a lot. I have elected to use the Drive Plus and Living packages to enhance the driving environment and this really takes the strain out of being on the road.”
The new Volvo FH has a gcw of 80 tonnes, which gives the capability to carry up to 55-tonne loads. “Hitched to our Faymonville four-axle semi-trailer we are now in a position to transport some pretty heavy plant,” says Hares.
The FH is already achieving between 7 and 9 mpg, reports Hares, compared to 4 mpg with an older truck.
It joins a fleet of five Volvo FM13 8-wheel tippers, three Volvo FL6 road sweepers, a Volvo FM9 with beavertail and loader crane, and a 44-tonne Volvo FM Globetrotter tractor unit already at the company.