Lincolnshire haulier Denby Transport has taken delivery of a Volvo FH 6x4 heavy haulage tractor unit, fitted with an 80 tonne-metre crane. The equipment is plated for operations at up to 120 tonnes gcw.
Supplied by Crossroads Group, the tractor unit was specified with a 10-tonne front axle – said to be one of the first in the UK – and a Fassi F800RA.2.25 HE Dynamics 80 tonne-metre crane.
The 6x4 double-drive tractor unit is powered by Volvo's six-cylinder, 13-litre D13C540 engine. Rated at 540bhp, the Euro 5 engine delivers 2,600Nm of torque between 1050 and 1450rpm.
The specification also includes a 14-speed manual gearbox, hub-reduction drive axles, the Volvo engine brake (VEB+) system and Volvo retarder.
George Elliott, Denby Transport's machinery removal and installation division manager, says double-drive was specified to allow the 10-tonne front axle.
At its maximum outreach of 21.15m, the crane can lift 2,600kg. At 2.9m, this increases to 22,000kg. The Fassi crane and VBG drawbar coupling were fitted by CCT of Chesterfield.
The line up is completed with a bespoke Broshuis trailer, which is a double extender with full steering capability on all three axles. It can extend to 22.5m and can carry a payload of 45 tonnes.
A short platform body is stored on the load area at the neck of the trailer and can be fitted to the tractor unit when uncoupled. The bodywork fits over the fifth wheel, fitted with twist locks.
"On really tight sites, the chassis-mounted platform body, which we carry on the Broshuis trailer, can be deployed," explains Elliott.
"It means that, for maximum flexibility in confined spaces, we have the option of using the solo tractor unit as a short-wheelbase rigid."