Supplied by dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials, the Tridem has a rear steer tag-axle configuration, enabling easy manoeuvring on and off sites with narrow access.
Seven of Mona Precast’s eight trucks are now Volvo. “The Tridem is our first rigid to have air suspension,” says Christopher Jones, managing director. “I think that it will prove to be kinder to our products and also to the rear-mounted HIAB crane which will undergo fewer shocks.”
Jones adds that the new vehicle is achievable notable efficiency improvements, including an increase in the number of deliveries made per day.
The operator worked with the dealer, bodybuilder and crane installer to design the right specification.
“We use a 7.6m length body as standard, together with a rear mounted Hiab XS144 crane,” explains Jones.
“Volvo produced calculations and drawings for the turning circles, chassis packaging and crane position. Despite specifying the sleeper cab, we have not experienced any manouverability problems. The driver reports that the Tridem has very good ground clearance on site – the Tridem configuration will also help avoid overloading.
“We are hoping for a 10-year operating life from this truck and we will sell it complete at the end of that period.”
Maintenance is carried out overnight at the dealership under a five-year Volvo R&M contract.