Euro 6 Volvo FE is the automatic choice for Tockwith Training17 June 2014

Driver training firm Tockwith Training has taken delivery of two Euro 6 Volvo FE 4x2 rigids – among the first of the new range to be specified with the I-Shift automatic gearbox.

A change in legislation on 10 April means that drivers can now acquire Category C LGV licences by driving a truck with an automatic gearbox.

The change coincided with Volvo's transmission release and was the key factor in York-based Tockwith's decision.

"The availability of Volvo's I-Shift gearbox in the new series FE was the main reason we bought these two trucks," confirms Tockwith's Mike Moore.

"The I-Shift has the auto hill-hold feature, which other manufacturers don't offer. As it is so smooth, it's also a good gearbox for reversing," he adds.

Compared to a nine-speed manual gearbox, drivers using a truck with I-Shift require two days less training, says Moore, so this also reduces the cost.

The vehicles were supplied by dealer Crossroads and feature the D8K engine, delivering 250bhp. Each will clock up 50,000km a year, running with a five-tonne load.

"The new FEs are returning about 12.9 mpg at the moment," says Moore.

"That is an improvement over the old model FE they replaced and will help in the overall running costs," he continues.

"We will also save on maintenance because the clutch in the I-Shift should last twice as long as that with a manual gearbox – an important factor, as learners could be breaking clutches more frequently now the trucks are loaded."

Author
Laura Cork

Related Companies
Volvo Group UK Ltd

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