Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London, the Chelmsford-based operator’s new additions bring its fleet to 28 trucks. They are all 18-tonne gvw FLs with 7.7-litre, 250bhp engines and nine-speed manual transmissions.
The skiploaders are the result of the Volvo initiative that has seen the manufacturer team up with some of the key bodybuilders to offer complete working trucks at optimum delivery lead times.
“Ordering these Volvo FL skiploaders as complete units without having to deal with a separate bodybuilder for the skiploader elements simplified the entire process, and let us concentrate on the business of collecting and recycling construction and demolition waste, as well as household clearance waste,” says Sam Malins, Dunmow’s managing director.
Bodywork comes in the shape of the Hyvalift NG2012XL skiploader with a lifting capacity of between 5.4 and 12 tonnes depending on arm positioning and extension.
Featuring independent telescopic extending arms, remote control operation, fast off load and Hyva’s Autosheet system, Malins believes the new skiploaders represent a step forward in terms of safety. “The remote control is a really positive move,” he says. “If you then also take into account the low level nearside window in the truck cab, the four-camera monitoring system and the left turn alert, I would say these trucks set the standard in respect of safety, which is really important to us as a business.”
Other factors in the decision were vehicle reliability, manoeuvrability and residual value: “The residuals at five years make real sense for the business,” says Malins. “Furthermore, the latest day cab really helps to minimise the overall dimensions, which translates directly into improved site access.”
Drivers, too, are full of praise for the new vehicles. “They say they’re more comfortable, smoother to drive, quieter and more powerful than our other skiploaders,” add Malins.
“And, with favourable returns when it comes to mpg, I’d say, all-round, these new Volvo FLs represent a really effective and efficient tool for our business.”