Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, Middlewich, the vehicle is also the first ultra high-spec sweeper to join WJ North’s 258-strong fleet, 85% of which are Volvos.
The 4.3m wheelbase, 4x2 truck is plated at 18 tonnes gvw and is fitted with a 13-litre 460bhp engine with I-Shift automated gearbox, Dynafleet telematics and Globetrotter LXL cab, with air suspended drive axle.
The cab has a full standing interior height of 2100mm (1670 mm over the engine tunnel), leather upholstery and extra storage lockers with roll blind doors. It also has a full-size bunk, a factory-fitted coffee maker, fridge freezer, microwave oven and television.
The FM-460 sweeper is fitted with five external cameras, including side scan and a 360° camera and Vision Techniques’ Banksman Plus reversing sensors.
W J North’s group transport manager Scott Logan says the driver will spend between two and three weeks at a time away from base, working as part of a three-truck team on major road-marking projects across the UK.
“We wanted the highest level of comfort possible for the driver of the new sweeper and you can’t beat Volvo for that,” he says.
The vehicle is fitted with the latest Johnston VT801 sweeper which, says its manufacturer, uses 50% less fuel in work mode than its competitors at low revs and 13% lower fuel consumption at maximum revs.
The VT801 comes with a data capture system which allows the user to download operational data such as fuel consumption, operating revs and time swept. Data can be downloaded via a USB memory stick and uploaded it into a standard spreadsheet.
The VT801 also features an ‘eco mode’ which limits the engine revs to 1500 rpm. The operator can override the limiter if allowed to, allowing the sweeper to be used for road works, surface dressing or heavily solid areas.