Outdoor clothing and equipment supplier Countrywide Farmers has extended its fleet with two Euro 6 Volvo FH-500 XL tractor units, as well as a Euro 5 FH and a Euro 5 FL truck.
Supplied by dealer Truck & Bus West on a Volvo Gold R&M contract, the 6x2 Globetrotter XL-cabbed FH units are supporting Countrywide Farmers' retail operation, delivering from its distribution centre to the company's network of stores.
Fuel performance was a key factor in Countrywide's decision, according to Countrywide, as this accounts for 30% of its operating costs.
Volvo's Dynafleet telematics were specified to monitor fleet fuel performance and drivers are undergoing a two-day driver development programme.
The Euro 5 FH tractor is usually coupled to a 22,000kg-capacity LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) tanker, manufactured by Lakeland Tankers and equipped with a Meller Flow Trans metering system.
The 18-tonne gvw FL 4x2 rigid has been fitted with an 8,000kg-capacity tanker body, also manufactured by Lakeland Tankers. This has an Alpeco LC metering system.
The FHs were also specified with the I-Shift automated gearbox. Additionally, to cope with deliveries involving off road driving, the FL has been fitted with a heavy-duty version of Volvo's drive axle air suspension.
