Heavy haulage firm Ruttle Plant has taken delivery of a Volvo FH 6x4 double-drive tractor unit, after being convinced of the merits of the range with two Classic FH trucks.
The latest acquisition was specified with a Globetrotter XL cab and is powered by a D13C-540 engine matched to an I-Shift automated transmission.
Although it usually operates at around 60 tonnes gcw, the truck is plated for CAT2 STGO operation at up to 80 tonnes gcw.
"The higher plated weight allows for a degree of flexibility when transporting the variety of machines we move for customers," explains Gareth Ruttle, director.
Supplied by dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials, the new Volvo FH features a 'high-visibility' take on the Chorley-based haulier's multi-colour livery.
Unladen weight of the steel-wheeled 6x4 is 9,200kg and the vehicle is expected to cover 90,000km per year. The new FH is coupled to a 4-axle Faymonville trailer, with two self-tracking axles to aid manoeuvrability.
Ruttle Plant's existing Classic FH vehicles are 500 and 540bhp 6x2 tag-axle tractor units. "We liked the I-Shift, the fuel economy and the build quality of the Classic FHs," confirms Ruttle.
And he adds: "We're very impressed with the new FH. It gives a smooth ride and pulls well, fully-laden, from a standing start, even in the wet."
