Supplied by Crossroads Truck & Bus, the latest additions are all FM tag axle rigids, three 6x2 and one 8x2.
Two versions of Volvo’s D11K engine are used: 326bhp for the three 6x2s, with up to 1,600Nm of torque; 375bhp for the 8x2, with 1,800Nm of torque. Both engine variants drive through Volvo’s I-Shift 12-speed gearbox.
Paul Hattee, managing director of the Hull-based operator, says: “We were changing the spec of the trucks last year, so it seemed the ideal time to try something new… We ordered the FE and it made a big impact – the driver really liked it and the feedback from the depot was spot on. So, when we were in the market for the four bigger trucks, we had no hesitation in opting for Volvo again.”
The new gearbox, in particular, has proved a hit, he says. “We’d never had an automated transmission in one of our trucks before we took the FE. I read a lot of positive reports online about I-Shift and it’s living up to expectations. The driver on the FE loved it and the drivers on all the new FMs are getting on really well with them as well.”
The rigids are equipped with brick grab cranes and auxiliary lower windows in the passenger door for added visibility.
The vehicles – two replacements and two additions to the 53-strong fleet – were supplied on a five-year lease by Volvo Financial Services.
All servicing and maintenance will be handled within the Volvo Trucks national dealer network and the trucks are expected to cover 100,000km a year.