Both new trucks replace older models from a rival marque and have been built on a 5,100 mm wheelbase, with a rear-steering tag axle for maximum manoeuvrability when loaded, and reduced tyre wear and improved fuel economy when running empty.
Power comes from Volvo’s D11K Euro-VI Step D engine producing up to 424bhp and up to 2,050 Nm of torque. They are mounted with bodywork by Sayers Road Tankers and will be in operation 24/7, covering up to 180,000km per annum and collecting up to 89,000 litres of milk every day from farms across South Wales.
Dave Rowlands, technical services director at Wincanton Group, says: “These are very high-spec tankers built for a specific contract, and Volvo could meet the precise configuration we needed. They’ll be serviced and maintained through Volvo and [we] know from previous experience that we’ll receive fantastic support.”
He adds: “We’re confident these new trucks are amongst the safest and most efficient of their type on the road, offering maximum reliability on a contract where they literally never stop working, except for planned maintenance.”
Both vehicles benefit from adaptive cruise control with forward collision warning, a lane departure warning system and driver alert support, which tracks driving behaviour and steering wheel inputs, providing an alert if it detects the driver might be tired and needs a break.
Wincanton has also specified a four-way recordable camera system linked to a dashboard-mounted monitor, rear-facing cameras down each side, an audible reverse alarm, park brake alarm and Brigade’s Cornerscan ultrasonic obstacle detection system to detect objects in the front nearside blind spot.
Wincanton employs approximately 19,100 people across more than 200 sites and has a 3,600-strong fleet of vehicles.