Volvo FH gains traction with Scottish haulier04 December 2013

Scottish haulier D Steven & Son has acquired its ninth new Volvo FH 540 tractor unit, as part of an ongoing replacement of its 30-strong fleet.

Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, its latest trucks all feature Globetrotter XL cabs and Volvo's I-Shift automated gearbox.

David Steven, managing director, says he opted for the 6x2 tag axle chassis configuration, as "our experience has shown this configuration delivers increased traction levels during Northern Scotland's hard winters".

The Scrabster-based firm also specified twin fuel tanks to give a diesel capacity of 660 litres on the 3,200mm wheelbase units. Michelin X Multiway 3D tyres were also selected as a factory option.

Steven explains that the demanding terrain of the A9 trunk road between Inverness and Scrabster has a challenging effect on fuel consumption, but reports an encouraging 7.8 to 8.5mpg average from the new FHs to date.

He anticipates this improving once all drivers have undergone truck familiarisation with Volvo's driver training team.

The nine new FH-540 tractors replaced similar specification Classic FH models and two units from another unnamed manufacturer.

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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