“We took drivers off our other make tippers, all of which were registered during 2015,” explains Gordon Carlton, transport manager at this Scottish operator.
“Reaction to the new FMXs was amazing [with] all reporting a noticeable increase in fuel consumption levels, with a truck straight out of the box, and a big difference in cab comfort.”
Carlton says some drivers comment on how relaxed the driving experience is with Volvo’s I-Shift automated gearbox while others are say the aren’t as tired after a full day shift.
“With the current nationwide shortages of experienced professionals, happy drivers are good news to me,” he adds.
All the new FMX trucks were specified with Volvo’s 11-litre, D11K370 370bhp engine driving through the 12-speed I-Shift gearboxes running with Volvo’s distribution and construction range management software.
They all run with Day cabs and were fitted with X-High B-Ride suspension, straight front axles and high mounted, 330 litre fuel tanks for quarry work.
Patersons Quarries fitted Weightlifter lightweight alloy tipper bodies with high sides and three-point contact, as well as Hyva hydraulics and a Dawbarn automatic sheeting system – yielding a kerbside weight of 12.1 tonnes.
Each FMX also has safety access steps a Volvo reversing camera and Smart Witness front facing and vehicle perimeter camera systems.
The new trucks were supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, Glasgow West and are being operated under full R&M packages.
