volvo truck driver magazine 0004

launchsafety first

for new FHred carpet for

voscar winnersNEW FH/FH 16

truckstop tourVOLVO fh throughthe years

ROAD TRIP awards Fanzine

for volvo drivers, operators & enthusiastsvolvo truck driver magazine

FREE • FREE • FREEvolvotruckdriver.com

Issue 4

we drive the new fh!truck test first

VTD Magazine

2 // VolVoTruckDriVer.coM 3

issue 4

contentsvolvotruckdriver.com

COVER SHOT We were privileged to get first dibs on a drive of the new FH and

FH16 at Volvo’s HQ in Gothenburg, Sweden. If your boss is about to have a punt and place orders, relax, as Frankie says!

It’s chuffin’ brilliant! A real driver’s motor.

4 NEWS – New gaffer at Warwick, MC scoops top award12 FANZINE – Watching headlamp styles change – FH through the years

14 TECHNICAL – Why you’re going to like the new FH spec20 TRUCKSTOP TOUR – Chip butties all round, it’s the new FH truckstop tour

22 VOSCARS – VTD presents ... The VOSCAR awards!24 USED TRUCK SPECIAL – Keeping it real with A&D Logistics

26 TIMBER – Pumpin’ up the er ... tyres with Karl Jones28 SPOT THE DIFFERENCE – VTD’s brain teasing competition

6 FIRST DRIVE – VTD gets behind the wheel of Volvo’s latest

regulars

features

Following one of the most prolonged launches in history, from videos of ballerinas on tightropes, skateboarding mechanics and a mega launch programme across Europe, we finally get to drive the new FH and FH16. Verdict? It was well worth the wait. Volvo bosses told us at the launch that this would be the company’s big hitter for the next 20 years. It’s packed full of driver-friendly innovations, like I-See and also the myriad of details to make life more comfortable, reputedly safer and all together a better place to work and kip in than the outgoing model. According to

Volvo, over 650,000 of the old FH have been sold since its launch in 1993. We’re looking forward to spring 2013 when we should begin to see the new FH over here in some numbers. We’ll be talking to drivers then to find out what you really think about Volvo’s great looking, top of the range truck for the long haul market. In particular, we are looking forward to getting our hands on the I-Torque 13 litre 460hp driveline with the super slick changing (if Volvo are to be believed) double clutch version of the I-Shift. It’s worth saying here that VTD believes that I-Shift has redefined auto boxes in the industry and, in our opinion, other manufacturers are still playing catch up with their

own two pedal installation. Elsewhere in this issue, we have pictures and a report on the very first VTD Volvo Oscars awards that we presented at Truckfest Peterborough. This is an event we are committed to doing every year and next year, we might use a different platform than Truckfest. The VOSCARS is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into presenting a working truck at a show. So a big shout out to the five winners. We hope you enjoy reading this issue of VTD and, as ever, look forward to your feedback.

Matt, Editoremail: [email protected]

InformationEditorialManaging Editor: Matthew Eisenegger

Editorial Address: Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQTelephone: 01257 231521 email: [email protected]

AdvertisingAdvertising Sales: David JohnsTelephone: 01388 517906 / Mobile: 07590 547343Email: [email protected]

DesignDesign Manager: Matthew EiseneggerDesigner: David JohnsTelephone: 01388 517906 / Mobile: 07590 547343Email: [email protected]

PublisherCommercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd, 4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire. PR7 3QQTelephone: 01257 231521

PrintingPrecision Colour Printing Ltd Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire. TF7 4QQTelephone: 01952 585585Web: www.pcpltd.net

NoteThe publisher makes every effort to ensure the magazines contents are correct. All material published in Volvo Truck Driver Magazine is copyright and unauthorised reproduction is forbidden. The Editors and publisher of this magazine give no warranties, guarantees or assurances and make no representations regarding any goods or services advertised in this edition.Volvo Truck Driver Magazine is published under a licence from Commercial Vehicle Media & Publishing Ltd. All rights in the licensed material belong to Matthew Eisenegger or Commercial Vehicle Media and Publishing Ltd and may not be reproduced whether in whole or in part, without their prior written consent. Volvo Truck Driver Magazine is a registered trademark.

If you are not going to keep this magazine for future reference please pass it on or recycle it.

well worththe wait

Volvo Trucks. Driving Progress

The new Volvo FH available with 100% uptime guarantee and up to 10% improved fuel performance, developed to deliver increased productivity wherever your business takes you.

Check out the benefits of the new Volvo FH for your business, or visit www.volvotrucks.co.uk/fh.

the new VolvO FHwww.facebook.com/volvotrucksuk

www.twitter.com/volvotrucksuk

news

4 // VolVoTruckDriVer.coM

news

5

meet VOLVO’S NEW BOSSUlf Magnusson has been appointed Volvo Trucks’ Managing Director for the UK & Ireland. He replaces Göran Nyberg, who has moved to the USA to become President of Volvo Trucks’ North American Sales & Marketing after four years in the role. Ulf previously held the position of Vice President – Region East and joined Volvo Trucks at their Warwick head office in October. Ulf‘s experience includes many years in various international positions in Volvo Trucks’ retail business in a variety of markets and brings with him leadership experience in retail, sales, and

distribution. Although the new FH and FH16 are sure to be a massive hit with drivers and operators alike, Ulf has a tough job given the state of the market. VTD met with him briefly at the IAA Show in Hanover shortly after he had taken over from his genial predecessor, the popular Göran Nyberg. Ulf struck us as a down to earth guy who is well up for meeting drivers and operators on both sides of the Irish Sea.

l All at VTD wish him well and look forward to chatting to him in greater detail in the next issue.

Ulf Magnusson

MC WINNERS TAKE TOP AWARDCongratulations to Volvo dealer MC Group who have won the prestigious Motor Transport Dealer of the Year 2012 Award. The dealer group was highly praised by the judges on the Motor Transport Awards panel for their strong performance in terms of customer satisfaction and investment to support future business growth. With more than 37% of employees having worked with the company for longer than 10 years, as a result of the company’s major investment in training and training facilities, the high level of employee loyalty was a key factor in the judges’ decision to present the Motor Transport Dealer of the Year 2012 Award to MC Group. The Maidstone based dealer group’s first class MOT performance in 2011 of 95% first time pass rate was also a major element that contributed to winning this high profile award. “Winning the Motor Transport Dealer of the Year 2012 Award, is a great achievement by our customer dedicated team,” said Group Managing Director Simon Dawson. The company has been a Volvo dealer for 36 years and operates from eight sites across the south of England. Dealerpoints include Witham and Thurrock in Essex, Maidstone, Southampton and Blandford in Dorset. Congratulations also to Northern Ireland Volvo dealer Dennison Commercials, who were runners up in the same category.

LEFT: MC Group Managing Director Simon Dawson (centre) receives the trophy from Colin Maclean from award sponsors Stoneridge, watched by compère Sean Lock.

TIMBER TYRES LASTING LONGER

Tyre wear is almost always a concern for off-road operations like forestry. However, thanks to Volvo, one operator seems to have found a solution that has significantly cut the cost of rubber boots for his wagon. Stan Archer, who runs a 12 plate FH13-500 6x4 FH out of Llandovery in Mid-Wales, reckons that replacing a 6x2 Scania with the double drive Volvo is saving him gobbets of the precious folding stuff on all fronts, especially tyres and fuel. No doubt the I-Shift gearbox with its fuel saving on and off-road software package is also helping Stan get the best economy out of the 500 hp FH.

Stan Archer – no bogged down logger, thanks to Volvo.

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VolVo fh firsT DriVe


issue 4

The vehicle demonstration team were really keen to showcase the new FH in as many guises as

possible. There were different vehicle combinations and as many cab and powertrain combinations as you could shake a stick at to choose from.

Over the course of the day VTD got a crack at six different models over a 250km mixed road route and these included a FH460 drawbar, an FH16 750 4x2 tractor with the Globetrotter XL, the infamous FH16 700 25.25 ‘super rig’ and thankfully a vehicle that closely matched a full UK ‘specced’ vehicle – an FH540 6x2 tractor with the Globetrotter XL cab.The route headed south from Gothenburg towards Varberg then on to the 41 heading inland on the sweeping major road to Borås then heading back towards Gothenburg and to our final stop just a couple of kms from the airport at Landvetter.As we know from the presentation and marketing bumph, the cab interior is a giant leap forward in creating space both for living and for the all-important storage, but the one thing that really does demonstrate that Volvo have

paid full attention to the 2,000-plus drivers they have interviewed over the development period of the new FH, is the blind spots the mirrors give and to be honest this is a real downfall on all modern trucks. The new slimline door mirrors on the FH are like no other on the market and once you’ve sat in the driver’s seat you realise how much visibility was obliterated by the previous design.

25% more visionAccording to the calculations they offer 25% more vision. I can only think this is going to leave other manufacturers scratching their heads over how they can match this massive leap forward in vehicle safety. Thankfully, the raked screen has now been replaced with a near vertical slab of glass. This has resulted in a big increase in space and made moving about the cab so much easier. As for storage, this is just brilliant – a wealth of large lockers adorn the interior. The dash has a sweeping single line of design and really does look impressive and comes complete with USB ports for

With all the fun of the launch a distant memory, the time has come to put the all new FH through its paces. We have had the presentations on how good and howadvanced the new FH is, now is the time TO SEE NOT ONLY IF IT LIVES UP TO, BUT ALSO, BY HOW FAR IT PASSES vtd expectations. matthew Eisenegger heads out to the Volvo demo centre at Torslanda on the outskirts of Gothenburg to find out for himself how good this brand new ‘all star’ really is.

s

Fh drives as good as it looks

VolVo fh firsT DriVe


issue 4

9

all the latest gadgetry. In line with Volvo’s ever robust safety policy, the new FH comes with a glass panel roof, AKA an escape hatch, and although it’s a bonded glass panel it comes with blinds. On our drive they were open and the additional sunlight made the cab feel even more spacious.

Smashing panelIn the event of a vehicle rolling, the panel can be smashed open by an emergency hammer fastened near the driver’s seat. Although not tested yet, the sleeping area and in particular the more than ample bunk offers 815mm at its widest point and 2000mm in length and has a recline facility.The 160mm pocket sprung mattress can be specified as soft, semi-firm and firm. The vehicles tested had a sample of the different levels of interior trim available and all were tasteful and very importantly functional.The FH16 750 and the luxury leather with air conditioning would be a very welcome

addition on a run down to southern Spain.

Extra seat travelVolvo has responded to the change in both height and weight of drivers by offering 240mm of seat travel which will allow for any driver regardless of stature to get comfortable. To make for an even more relaxed driving position, the FH comes with the neck tilt feature that gives 20 degrees of total adjustment which is easily controlled in two stages from the foot pedal. You really can adopt a more car-like driving position rather being hunched over the wheel, which does your back no good at all. On the road, as you would expect, the new FH behaves with impeccable manners. The road route demonstrated the vehicles’ ability – in a general line haul environment, the 25.25 FH16 700 running at 60 tonnes was just great with the D16 thumping out 3150Nm of torque, but all delivered smoothly by the I-Shift gearbox. Regardless of engine horse power and torques of all the

trucks we tested, the I-Shift really is first class. A further development for 2013 will be the introduction of the I-Shift 2 gearbox which relies on a dual clutch set-up that acts to pre-select the next available gear, making for a virtually seamless gear change.As with many modern truck designs, it is very easy to leave the driver feeling removed from both feel and feedback. Thankfully the FH doesn’t – you get all the feel you need to keep you in touch with what’s going on between the road, the truck and you all without compromising driver comfort in any way, shape or form.

With the vehicle carrying out the same runs over a number of days, the GPS-linked I-See package remembers the route from the last trip and will offer the most efficient vehicle performance to tackle it. I-See works well providing it’s got a clear road ahead.However, with the ACC (Active Cruise Control) armed, what you find if a faster moving vehicle passes and pulls in front is the I-See function needs to recalculate and appears to default to the standard cruise control mode.Independent Front Suspension – or as Volvo has decided to brand it Individual Front Suspension or IFS – has always been the next stage in front suspension development that has always eluded truck manufacturers for mainline operation.OK, it’s not a new concept – it has been successfully put to

good use in both bus and fire application for many years – but never in truck.There was a thought process that the installation of this type of suspension set-up would allow for the engine to be mounted lower in the frame, therefore potentially lowering the vehicle centre of gravity and further enhancing the vehicle’s ride and handling characteristics over and above that of the individual suspension movement.Also the indirect benefit could allow for improved airflow over the engine to assist cooling, particularly of use with increased temperatures for Euro-6 emissions as well as allowing for a flat floor in the cab. We drove an IFS FH and to be honest we noticed very little difference between that and a vehicle with a the

more traditional ‘I’ beam and parabolic spring arrangement.We are sure that there will be certain applications in which the IFS will make a noticeable improvement in ride and handling, but with a potential price tag in the region of £4,000

(and it would appear that Volvo are still more three years away from launching IFS into the right hand drive markets), our advice would be save your money, which is testimony to how good the standard suspension set-up really is.

VerdictIf things look right, they normally are. Volvo has ticked all the boxes and a lot more besides with the new FH, and the fact they have launched with Euro-5 powerplants will allow the firm to maximise any Euro-5 pre-buy opportunity.For our money, the volume sellers in this long haul sector will be the either FH500 or

FH540 with the Globetrotter cab. A point worth noting is that the new Globetrotter cab is taller than the outgoing Globetrotter XL. The new FH really is an icon reborn. The styling is not outlandish, but typically Volvo and its looks and style breathe quality. We are sure that the new FH will not only overwhelmingly satisfy the existing loyal customer base but will also attract new ones to the fold.

TIME FOR TEA: Our first major break was at the Björkäng Vägkrog services on the E6, near Tvååker, a real drivers’ paradise, clean facilities well stocked shop and an amazing restaurant offering delights such as Homemade Schnitzel

with aromatic butter and potato wedges. You can even get a brew on the go from Dave’s Coffee shop.

feaTure


issue 3

11

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truckinsmart_ad.indd 1 11/7/12 10:38:57

Any visitor to the CV Driver stand at Truckfest at Peterborough this

year will have undoubtedly spotted our neighbours, Truckin Smart, so with our new-found friendship Volvo Truck Driver Magazine finds out a little more about this very special truck interior company. Truckin Smart’s owner Carole Tucker has enjoyed sewing for as long as she can remember – in fact she gets a real buzz out of it!After nearly 30 years in the catering business, Carole was unable to attend her usual summer events when Foot and Mouth struck. A new challenge presented itself when her brother, Jimmy Lister, asked

Carole to sew a set of floor mats for a truck. Inspired by this, Carole got to work on her sewing machine and produced a selection of quality mats and curtains which she sold within hours at the Peterborough Show.This was Carole’s chance to turn her love of sewing into a business. Carole launched Truckin Smart and production began in a small way in her kitchen. Now she works out of an industrial unit, employing a small team of skilled and dedicated machinists.Any frequent visitors to any of the major truck shows will no doubt have seen Carole and her team busy at work taking orders for their endless

catalogue of in cab adornments. A look round the show trucks, you will also see Truckin Smart’s handy work from a set of tailored curtains to a full set of leather seat covers only scratch the surface of Carole and her teams abilities. And can supply custom made items such as: • Cab Curtains• Seat Covers• Floor Mats• Door Panels• Engine Covers• 5th Wheel Covers• Bedding• Clothing• Novelty Items

Truckin Smart supplies cab curtains ready made to fit all the leading manufactures’ vehicles. The beauty of this is that should a driver change vehicle, they can take his personal set of cab accessories with him. However, Carole and her team are also happy to tailor-make cab accessories to meet personal preferences should this be required. Cab curtains are available in a range of colours in four fabrics:

• Lightweight velvet• Dutch velvet (guaranteed fully fire retardant)• Tartan• Leatherette The curtains are fully lined in keeping with the fabric

selected.Fringes and tassels are added,

again in the customer’s choice of colours. All curtains are finished to the highest standards. Curtains can also be made using the customer’s own fabric. Seat covers and head rests to complement your curtains and other cab accessories.Seat covers are available in a range of colours and are made in:

• Velvet• Leatherette• Velvet and leatherette combined

Truckin Smart really come into their own when they are commissioned to carry out a full interior and on their own admission have tackled pretty much any make or model.

suits you, sir!We turn the vtd magazine spotlight on Truckin Smart, the firm which helps stylise any truck cab

The Total Transport Solution

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As winner of the Motor Transport Dealer of the Year 2012 award we look forward

to continuing to offer our customers total commercial vehicle transport solutions.

0333 240 0497Truck Sales & Rental Service & RepairsMOT Tacho Accident Repair & Paint Shop

fanzine


issue 4

FANZINEOur resident snappers have had a good old rummage through their ‘box of shots’ and have put together this super collection of the FHs from the 90s right up to the new model testing.It really is hard to believe that the original was launched nearly 20 years ago and still remains a firm favorite. Enjoy!

VTD Magazine


issue 3VTD Magazine


issue 4

Volvo’s new flagship FH is a more roomy and demonstrably better truck than the venerable model it replaces. It’s fair to say that this is a radical new design from the ground

up and the emphasis is very much on improving both the driver’s workspace and what the truck is like to drive day in day out. Volvo’s claim that the new FH is a more ergonomic workplace than the old truck appears to be borne out by VTD’s drive in Sweden (see elsewhere in this issue). That there is an extra cubic metre of room plus an extra 300 litres of storage space is immediately apparent when clambering about the cab. New design touches that will help drivers include the extra ‘neck’ adjustment in the steering column and the fact that the column itself is nice and easy to adjust.

blind spot curse removedThe big news for drivers, however, is that the curse of the Volvo blind spot appears to have been removed by the adoption of redesigned, slimmer mirrors. This is excellent news and it’s hopefully goodbye to craning your neck every which way at junctions. Elsewhere, the bed appears to have been redesigned too and first impressions are that it is somewhat wider and comfier than the mattress in the ‘old’ FH – which wasn’t a bad gaff anyway. The side windows are larger too and the forward edge slopes to give a bit more view of the ground on the nearside from behind the wheel. Volvo claim a 20% improvement in nearside visibility saying that the ‘useable’ total window area in the cab has been increased by 20%. The ability to connect up four cameras to the in cab info display is a good move to protect us from the suicidal idiots, sorry, people, who walk close behind or down the blind side when we are manouvering.

good stuff in the detailAlthough not nearly as exciting as engine ratings and power curves, the good stuff in this new Volvo is deffo in the detail. For example, the three mode ‘ruggedised’ wireless remote is a winner and can be used to start, stop and rev the engine from outside, operate the tail lift and switch on load lamps as well as the more usual raise and lower for the air suspension. Interestingly, Volvo have given their little remote the facility to memorise four different loading heights so drivers can click on the preset to set up the trailer height for regular drops. A calibrated load indicator with up to 20 trailer presets is included too. A button on the key fob activates the lights inside and out so you

NEW FH: INCREASED SAFETYn New, stronger materials such as ultra-high-strength boron steeln New technologies such as laser welding n New cab structure n Improved visibilityn Active safety systems such as Lane Keeping Support, Lane Changing Support, Adaptive Cruise Control and Driver Alert Support (DAS)

BIGGER, BETTER, SAFER AND NO BLIND SPOTS

Slimline new mirrors mean no blind spots

s

Continued on page 18

VTD Magazine


issue 3TRUCK OF THE FUTURE: HERE AND NOW“The design of the new FH and FH16 is a celebration of truck drivers.” Rikard Orell, Director Of Design, Volvo Trucks.

VTD Magazine


issue 3

can see if any undesirables are hanging around your truck before you get too close. Volvo says that the alarm and the door locks have also been improved. The trailer can now be connected to the alarm which activates if someone tries to open the trailer door. The driver’s door can be unlocked on its own off the key and the grille is now protected by an electro-mechanical lock as is the steering wheel. Side window glass is laminated to make it harder to break in.

Bonded windscreenAs the windscreen is now bonded in and should not pop out in a collision, says Volvo, the roof hatch doubles as an escape route and appears to be wide enough for the majority of drivers (and journalists? *polite cough* – Ed) to exit through in an emergency such as a roll-over accident. The park brake is electrical now as per Volvo’s latest generation cars like the V60. We found it easy to operate during our test drive in Sweden but VTD staffers thought it might take

a bit of getting used to (boring old farts – Ed). Volvo has built its formidable reputation worldwide on vehicle safety and the new FH and FH16 appear to have lots of good news on that front for drivers. According to Volvo’s engineers, thousands of simulated collision tests and about 100 real crash tests have gone into developing a safer truck cab. “We’ve utilised new technology, new materials

and everything we’ve learned since our most recent new cab. We’ve used all this to build an even safer truck. The result is the world’s safest Volvo,” says Carl Johan Almqvist, Traffic and Product Safety Director at Volvo Trucks.

high-strength materialsFor instance, high-strength materials such as dual-phase steel have been used in collision-absorbing beams and

in the doors. The cab too uses the strongest steel available today for body panelling – ultra-high-strength, thermoset, press-moulded boron steel. Several changes in the cab’s structure also boost safety. The cab is now larger since the A-pillars are more upright, creating more room for the driver and the door and floor structure has also been redesigned to provide the best possible protection in a collision.

BIGGER, BETTER, SAFER AND NO BLIND SPOTS

Ouch! Volvo engineers crash tested the new FH 100 times.

New FH is ‘our safest truck yet’ says Volvo.

IMprOVED SAFETy + INCrEASED prODUCTIVITy = ENHANCED DrIVING pLEASUrE

Enquiries by Phone:

0845 519 8940See our comprehensive website now:

www.tech4trucks.com

Fleet Tracking & Productivity

Installation Services

Safety Equipment

Telematics

Tools & Workshop

Toys & Gadgets

Vehicle Security

Lots More

[email protected]

VAN TrUCK bUS rV pLANT AGrICULTUrE

GrEAT prICESONLINE

IN-CAbENTErTAINMENT

rEVErSINGAIDS

MObILECOMMUNICATIONS

SATELLITENAVIGATION & GpS

TrucksTop Tour


issue 4

It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it! VTD, together with hard bitten truck snapper Craig, recently spent several days on the road with the Volvo Driver Development guys as they cruised the length and breadth of this sceptred isle

in a tasty convoy comprising several new FHs – plus a brace of its evil Dark Lord cousin; the new FH16-750 (mwah, ha ha ha haaaa Ed.). Their challenge, which, not surprisingly, they chose to accept, was to show the new Volvos to operators and customers at dealer premises across the nation. Natch, while en route to said dealerships, they took the opportunity to swing into a number of the country’s most excellent driver rest areas and truckstops. Although the tight schedule of dealer visits meant that it wasn’t always possible to be at these at their busiest times, it did afford several hundred drivers the chance to sit in the latest offering from Volvo and have a chat to their guys about the many changes that have been made to the specs to make these new trucks more comfortable, more secure, seemingly safer and even more driver focused than the old FH and FH16.

TAKING TRUCKSTOPS BY STORM VTD HITS THE ROAD WITH VOLVO’S NEW FH & FH16

To view back issues of Volvo

Truck Driver magazine, log on to:

www.volvotruckdriver.com

TruckfesT


issue 4

IT’S THE VOSCARS!Top Volvos at Truckfest

As previewed in the last issue, we surprised and delighted a few people when Editor Matt (the fella in the VTD baseball cap in the pictures on these pages) presented the first VTD Awards to some proud drivers and operators at Truckfest Peterborough earlier this year. These prestigious awards are being called the Volvo ‘Oscars’ (VOSCARS geddit?) and we’re sure the exclusively produced trophies are taking pride of place on the winners’ mantelpieces. Congratulations guys!

AbOVE: bEST SHOW TrUCK: Driver Andy collects the award for his FM on behalf of J. Davidson. bELOW: bEST CLASSIC VOLVO: Matt Eisenegger presents the award to F7 owner Trevor rowell.

AbOVE: pOST 1990 VOLVO: Euan Malcolm’s FH16-660 Heavy Hauler.

LEFT: bEST F10: Steel boy Lee Herbert (and Joshua) with immaculate F10 4x2 tractor.

bELOW: EDITOr’S CHOICE: ricky (left) and Colin robinson with their FH16.

VOLVO USED TRUCK CENTRES - DEPOTS THROUGHOUT THE UK

Volvo Used Truck Centresemail: [email protected] web: www.volvousedtrucks.co.uk/truckfinder

Sales Hotline: 0844 579 1220

2009(09) FH 4x2 440 GlobetrotterXL, Euro4, I-Shift, 405kms

PTO Wet Kit, Top Locker Fridge, Twin fuel tanks, Ref. uts47783

selected

LEZ OK

SELECTED

2009(59) FH 6x2 460Globetrotter XL, Euro 5 & RPC, I-Shift, 315

kms, 4.1wb, Dynafleet, Integrated phone, Volvo history, Absolute stunner!

Ref. uts70158

selected EURO 5 & RPC

LEZ OK

2009(09) FH 6x2 480

Globetrotter XL, Euro 5 & RPC, I-Shift, Prestige

paint pack, 398k kms, very fresh -

small choice. Ref. uts59493

EURO 5 & RPCselected

LEZ OK

2011(61) FM 6x2 450

11ltrGlobetrotterXL, I-Shift, 450BHP,

Euro5, Only 44k kms. Ex Demo, Nice

and light.Ref. uts66681

LEZ OK

2011(61) FM 6x2 450




2011(61) FM 6x2 450




LEZ OK

2009(59) FM 8x4 400

Day cab Tipper Grab, I-Shift,

400BHP, Euro5, Only 116k kms. Epsilon M125 crane, rotator,

bucketRef. uts75979

LEZ OK

2011(61) FM 6x2 450




selected EURO 5

LEZ OK

LEZ OK

2011(61) FM 6x2 450


Euro5, Only 22kms. Ex Demo, Nice


selected EURO 5

LEZ OK

2008(08) FL 4x2 240 DROPSIDE/CRANEDay Cab, 6 Speed Manual, Euro 4, 21’ body, rear mounted crane + grab, dual

controls, 104k kms only.Ref. uts52523

LEZ OK

EURO 4APPROVED

2007(07) FE 4x2 240 platformPlatform with Dropsides, Euro4, 159k

kms, Medium cab, Light use. Ref. uts77080

APPROVED EURO 4

LEZ OK

2006(56) FH 6x2 480GlobetrotterXL, I-Shift, 480HP,

4.1wb, Alloys, PTO, Fridge, StackVolvo History, 373K kms.

Ref. uts28625

SELECTED EURO 4

LEZ OK

2010(60) FH 6x2 460

GlobetrotterXL, 460BHP Euro5, 146k kms only,

I-Shift, Luxury trim with full leather, Dynafleet, Latest model, Excellent

truck, Volvo maintained.

Ref. uts61270

EURO 5selected

LEZ OK

2008(58) Fm 4x2 400 Sleeper, I-Shift, Euro4, 637 kms.

3.8m wb, New MOT, Ref. uts58823

EURO 4

LEZ OK

2011(60) FH 6x2 460

GlobetrotterXL, I-Shift, 460BHP,

Euro5, Only 113k kms. Luxury trim with

full leather, Ref. uts66681

LEZ OK

APPROVED SELECTEDEURO 5

APPROVED

EURO 5

operaTor profile


operaTor profile

25

‘Drive efficiently’ urge the matrix signs above the M8 around Glasgow Airport and junction 27. It’s an exhortation that has been well heeded by Renfrew, Glasgow based haulier A & D Logistics Ltd. With a 100% Volvo fleet of around 60 trucks, this smartly turned out operation is a familiar sight in the Central Belt at the heart of Scotland’s industrial urban area. Their friendly Managing Director Alan Bolsworth kindly gave VTD the opportunity to find out a bit more about the firm’s continuing success and how they came to be running a fleet of immaculate Globetrotter XL cabbed FHs when they had been known for years as a loyal Scania operator.

Options wide openAlthough Alan keeps his options wide open when it comes to purchasing trucks, saying that he ‘rules nothing out’ and tries most makes of quality truck demonstrator if offered by the local dealer, he has, by his own admission, been well looked

after by Volvo and their impressive dealer network in Scotland. The secret to maintaining a trouble free, fuel efficient operation, he tells VTD, is that he only ever buys top spec, low mileage, Selected Used Volvo FHs with I-Shift transmissions. In fact, following years of experience in buying used Volvo trucks from Alan McGregor the Used Volvo Truck specialist at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Scotland, Cardonald, Alan has arrived at a preferred spec that delivers excellent reliability, good fuel economy and, most importantly, happy drivers. “I stick to buying one year old FH13-500 6x2 tractors

with Globetrotter XL cabs and I-Shift,” he says, adding: “The 13 litre 500 is good on fuel and at one year old, the Selected FHs are like new. I sometimes buy three or six at a time.

Peace of mind“We get a 12 month Volvo Driveline Assurance for peace of mind and frankly, apart from the odd wee electrical ‘blip’, reliability keeps getting better. I-Shift clutches are lasting around 4 years too.” Alan praises the local dealer for their support saying that they always bring trucks to his yard for him to inspect before making a purchasing decision. VTD thinks he’s one canny Scot who has proved that a Selected Used Volvo offers great value with the risks associated with purchasing second life trucks reduced to what is probably their lowest possible level.

A&D Logistics managing director Alan bolsworth

A&D Logistics drivers love their FHs says MD Alan bolsworth

TOP SPEC USED FH FLEET“A one year old, Selected Used Volvo FH offers massive value and a 12 month Volvo Driveline Assurance”

operaTor profile


issue 3

With its combination of double-drive, I-Shift with off-road

software and Central Tyre Inflation System (CITS) which can be used to raise or lower drive axle tyre pressures on the move, Karl Jones’s latest FH certainly reaches the parts other logging trucks er... can’t. Unusually nowadays for a ‘big ‘un’, the latest air-suspended, double-drive FH to join the South Wales fleet of Karl Jones and Son Haulage Ltd is equipped with a day cab, albeit with a rest bunk. The 540hp logging truck incorporates a number of neat productivity boosting innovations thanks to some clever speccing. First up, the extra space down the chassis afforded by the short

day cab allows fitment of a fully enclosed cabin to the Palfinger-Epsilon log loader. Karl now stays nice and cosy while picking up big sticks while miles off road in the wild Welsh forests. Top spec idea number two is the CITS. Traction is improved and so is productivity as there is no need for lengthy stops to ‘pump up the volume’ (A popular ‘dance’ tune from 1987, by M.A.R.R.S - Ed.).Usually coupled to either a Robinson or Dennison tri-axle

timber semi-trailer, the FH, which was supplied by Volvo dealer Truck and Bus Wales and West, operates throughout the UK hauling softwood and telegraph poles. “Specifying a logging tractor is a complicated and time-consuming business but all our suppliers went that extra mile to make sure we

ended up with exactly what we needed,” said Karl. “We will be taking delivery of a new Robinson trailer very soon and am delighted to say that we are already working on the specification of our next Volvo tractor. I can only hope that it will be as fantastic as this one,” he concluded.

Karl’s Kozee Krane Kabin

KARL’S FH REACHES THE PARTS... Traction control: Tyres can go up as well as down

VTD Magazine


issue 3

First Name ...................................................................................................................................................

Surname .......................................................................................................................................................

Address ........................................................................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................................................................................

...................................................................................................................... Post Code ...............................

Telephone ....................................................................................................................................................

Email .............................................................................................................................................................

Simply spot and mark clearly all the 8 differences on the images above. Once completed either cut out or photocopy and post to: Volvo Truck Driver Magazine, 4th Floor, 19 Capesthorne Drive, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 3QQ to be entered into a prize draw to win the 1:50 scale Volvo FH of William C Hockin (Transport) Ltd. Closing date for the competition is 21/12/2012

Terms & Conditions: Not suitable for children under 14 years of age. The winner will be notified

within 30 days of the closing date either by letter, telephone or email. All entrants will be placed in

a hat and selected at random by a third party. No money alternative will be offered. The winner’s

name and county will be displayed in the next issue of Volvo Truck Driver Magazine.

spot the difference

how to win:

Issue 3 winner: T Watkins of Cumbria Winners displayed in issue 5 of VTD

VTD Magazine


issue 3

DOCKLANDS LOGISITIC SUPPORTINCLUDING

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food• Locally sourced food• Homemade Curries,

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CONTRACTS IN WELLINGBOROUGH,CRICK, NORTHAMPTON,

MILTON KEYNES AND FENSTANTONCall for further details

• Minimum 18 months experience• Accommodation available

Excellent rates of pay -up to £13 days and up to £17 weekends

Driver CPC Training AvailableApproved Jaupt Training CentreLGV & PCV Drivers Welcome

Transport Company Training OptionsTraining available across the East Midlands

Contact John or Karl on: 01604 491224or email: [email protected]

AGY

Continental work based in Holland

Dangerous Substances Training Centresat Warrington and WakefieldADR, DCPC, Forklift, H&S

Courses can be tailored to suit

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Dangerous Substances Training Centres at

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ADR, DCPC, Forklift, H&S Courses can be tailored to suit

Various consultancies inc DGSA

Tel: 07915 610232Fax: 0844 358 1400

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5 things you may notknow about VolvoFinancial Services

• Being part of Volvo means we have an intimate understanding of the business, the products and the ups and downs of the market

• Your business is our business. All our time, resource and skill go into building long term partnerships only with Volvo customers

• We don’t do mortgages, we don’t do credit cards, we don’t even do cars

• We are totally focused on the same business you are focused on

• Your success is our success. We don’t have a short term attitude now and we never did – it takes time to build a strong business and that is exactly what we want our customers to achieve

If all that sounds rather different from other finance companies – we certainly believe it is. Perhaps it’s time to talk?

FINANCE THAT WORKS FOR YOUwww.vfsco.co.uk

To see how Volvo Financial Services could benefit your business call:

North & Scotland Peter Youll 07966 514311 North West, North Wales & Northern Ireland Craig Chadwick 07713 559174 Yorkshire, Lincs & West Midlands Victoria Newton 07971 475250 East Anglia & Home Counties Alan Yetts 07966 157929 South East, South West & South Wales Barrie Glover 07966 331214 Republic of Ireland Feargal Quinn +353 (0)87 750 2655

Regional/National Fleet Andy Page 07966 158130

UK Sales Manager Steve Williams 07785 917986

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