Supplied by dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials, the high-spec 8x4 chassis will be used for haulage duties up to 170 tonnes.
The Globetrotter cabbed FH16 is powered by Volvo’s D16K engine producing 642bhp and driving through the I-Shift Crawler gearbox. Maximum torque is 3,150Nm between 950 and 1,450rpm.
Nick Malpus, owner at MK Plant Transport, says: “Our current 150-tonne FH is a popular vehicle with our customers and is constantly in demand, so the new 170 tonne FH16-650 will easily take the strain.”
Supplied with a five-year Volvo R&M contract, the vehicle has a Jost 38C sliding fifth wheel, gearbox retarder and an 860-litre factory fuel tank fitted behind the cab.
Milnthorpe-based Burrow Fabrications made after-fit accessories, including custom toolboxes, chassis side skirts and in-fills, extra lights and a catwalk.
The interior spec includes Volvo’s Drive Plus and Media Packages and, as well as heated and vented leather seats, it also has a captain’s passenger seat on air.
The new FH16-650 will boost fleet capacity as well as flexibility, says Malplus. “It will reduce the use of jeep dollies on our two low bed trailers... We are looking to order a new trailer in 2019 and we’ve streamlined the fleet back to four Volvo FH tractor units, which are supported by two pick-up trucks hauling plant trailers.”
He adds: “Hand on heart, I can say we’ve had no problems with our Volvo trucks. Our drivers love them and they can’t fault the FHs.”