Supplied by dealer McCarthy Commercials, the new addition is a 6x2 rear-lift chassis with Chereau refrigerated body and equipped with a Thermo King T1200R refrigeration unit.
The FM joins eight other FM rigids in the operator’s fleet. It is powered by a D11K engine delivering up to 375bhp and has a 5,600mm wheelbase.
“Two FL6 rigids provided our first experience with the marque and they did well. We previously used the 330hp [326bhp] engine in our FMs, but the higher power unit is a logical progression,” says Sean Twomey, managing director.
“We have eight Volvo rigids in the fleet and all new chassis are usually sent straight to Chereau in France for body fitment, prior to being delivered to Ireland,” he says.
“That said, however, we do expect a double life from our Chereau single-compartment bodies, so some new chassis come direct here for a swap with an outgoing vehicle.” That work is carried out by Fitzgerald Vehicle Body Builders, of Cork.
The operator retains its Volvo trucks for between five to eight years, with maintenance and repairs carried out by the dealer.