Supplied by Volvo Truck & Bus Centre, Edinburgh, the 8x4 rigid Tridem chassis is powered by Volvo’s D13K engine rated at 454bhp. An I-Shift 12-speed automated manual transmission system drives the single reduction, tandem drive axles, equipped with differential and cross locks. An improved turning circle is offered with the hydraulically steered rear tag axle and Volvo’s Tridem design offers a combined rear bogie design capacity of 27 tonnes.
The vehicle is equipped with a Globetrotter cab and a hooklift body, which can be used with skip, flat bed or curtainside bodies.
Alan Waugh, managing director, evaluated the capabilities of a standard 8x4 rigid chassis versus a Tridem, before deciding on the latter with a 9-tonne front axle.
He explains: “That specification ticks all the boxes for our weight-critical operations and a 3.9m wheelbase with a steered rear tag delivers the required manoeuvrability.
“The truck is our first rigid to combine a Logan Inglis Multilift XR24S hookloader body and sleeper cab. The high roof Globetrotter option gives better driver comfort levels and increased external panel space to use some special 160th anniversary branding with the livery,” adds Waugh.
The new addition joins eight Volvo FH-500 Globetrotter-cabbed tractors, delivered earlier this year for the logistics operation.
The company uses Volvo’s Dynafleet fleet management system for vehicle routing and to maximise fuel consumption figures.
“Our drivers have the Dynafleet app on their mobile phones and there is healthy competition to see who is returning the best mpg figures. I’m all for this encouragement of best practice,” Waugh says.