Byfleet-based Taurus Waste Recycling Group has added another FM 6x4 tractor unit to its Volvo truck fleet – this time with the OEM's automated I-Shift transmission.
With a fleet of 44 trucks, including a dozen Volvos, Taurus managing director Stephen Mills says he took his time in ordering an automated truck gearbox.
"In my view, they have only recently come of age and delivered their early promises," comments Mills. "We have evaluated them in the past, but only this I-Shift really does the job."
He specified an FM-460 double drive, with underfloor protection and Alcoa alloy wheels, and says his drivers have taken to the new gearbox and like the look of the truck.
As for his concern about the I-Shift's ability to work on landfill operations, he adds that the new truck has taken on the work without complaint.
"It's taken years for Volvo to convert me to an auto, but it's working well and the fuel returns are up on the 440hp manuals we run on the same work. It's a definite improvement."