Supplied by Stuarts Truck and Bus, Gardner’s new rigids include seven FL 4x2s, comprising four 16-tonne chassis and three 12-tonne models. All seven FLs have 5.3m wheelbases and D8K engines rated at 247bhp, driving six-speed manual gearboxes.
The other new rigid is a 5.5m wheelbase 6x2 FE, with a 316bhp engine and I-Shift gearbox. All eight are specified with Day cabs and have curtainside bodywork, by Exeter Coachworks. They are also the first vehicles with cantilever style tail-lifts to join the operator’s fleet.
An FH 500 6x2 tractor was also part of the Gardner Distribution order. This Globetrotter XL cabbed 6x2 pusher chassis will be used on the company’s long distance operations.
All nine trucks are covered by five-year Volvo Gold R&M contracts.