The new 16-tonne sweeper has been introduced ahead of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone going live in Spring 2022, and replaces a Volvo FL6 which has been in service with the family firm since 2003.
Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, the left-hand drive FL 250 4x2 has been mounted with a Johnston VT652 sweeper body, complete with overhead wander hose for gully sucking. It also features a Supawash high-pressure washing system with hand lance and high pressure spray bar, together with Johnston’s automatic lubrication system to keep things running smoothly.
John Allen, managing director of ISM Waste, says: “We are committed to running a tidy operation – a lot of effort goes in to keeping the fleet pristine; plus having our own sweeper on-hand really helps to keep the place looking smart too. We send the FL out at least once per week to sweep the road we’re based on; it’s all part of being a good neighbour.”
Commenting on his loyalty to the Volvo Trucks brand, he adds: “Volvo is brilliant; the trucks are well-built, driver acceptance is unrivalled and we get great aftersales support from Thomas Hardie Commercials.”
ISM Waste operates 17 trucks, including 16 Volvos, and takes all new vehicles on a five-year Volvo Gold Contract, which sees repair and maintenance carried out by the local dealer in Trafford Park.
The new 16-tonne FL sweeper has been specified with Volvo’s D8K Euro VI diesel engine, which can produce up to 247bhp and 950Nm of torque, driven through a nine-speed manual gearbox which provides accurate operator control when road sweeping at slow speeds.
“It’s a fantastic driveline,” says Allen. “The larger 7.7-litre engine provides great low-speed handling and first-class power, in a package which is small, very agile and highly dependable.”
In addition to handling on-site work for ISM Waste, the new sweeper will carry out local hire work approximately two to three days per week. It is expected to cover around 15,000km per annum.