Supplied by Crossroads Truck & Bus Ltd, Hull, the latest addition, like its predecessor, features the I-Shift transmission with crawler gears, Globetrotter cab, D13K engine rated at 533bhp and tandem axle lift.
This last feature, in particular, prompted the repeat acquisition, as Richard Pickering, the operator’s founder and owner, explains: “Volvo’s tandem axle lift is ideal for a business like ours that regularly mixes heavy haulage operations with more mainstream road transport work. The tandem axle lift copes easily with both disciplines.”
Pickering ordered his first Volvo FH after a trip to Sweden with the manufacturer. “As a former vehicle technician, I saw the benefits of tandem axle lift immediately and literally placed an order on the plane home.”
The system enables a driver to disengage and raise one of the driving axles – giving, says Volvo, the traction and load capacity of a four-wheel drive, with the driveability and efficiency of a two-wheel drive.
Pickering Transport’s Volvo FH-540 was also specified with alloy wheels, chassis side skirts and a leather interior, along with heavy-duty fifth wheel by SB Components, of Wisbech.