Suttons Tankers takes delivery of 14 new Volvo vehicles
Logistics specialist Suttons Tankers has taken delivery of 14 new Volvo FMXs after being impressed by the performance of a demonstrator supplied by local dealer Thomas Hardie Commercials.
The first order of rigids to join its fleet comprises a mix of seven 6x4 rigids and seven 8x4 tridems for use exclusively on the company’s contract transporting sludge for Yorkshire Water.
Mark Scott, fleet engineer at Suttons Tankers, said: “We’ve run Volvo for many years, but this is the first time we’ve opted for FMX rigids. Our contract work is very particular, so the team road-tested the truck over two days through the rolling Yorkshire Dales to see if they could handle the job.
“We were able to assess a variety of factors that impact on each job, including access, turning circles, manoeuvrability and traction, and to say we were impressed would be an understatement.
“The demonstrator performed exceptionally and ticked all the boxes. The fact Volvo allowed us to field-test the truck in our more challenging locations sealed the deal. It was an easy decision in the end.”
The 6x4s are powered by Volvo’s D11K engine generating 380 hp and up to 1,800 Nm of torque, while the 8x4 tridems benefit from Volvo’s larger D13K engine producing 420 hp and 2,100 Nm of torque.
The larger 8x4s have been specified with a 9-tonne front axle, tridem bogie rear suspension and a lifting and hydraulically steered tag axle for ultimate manoeuvrability and a small turning circle, despite their larger size.
“We worked closely with John at Thomas Hardie Commercials to get expert advice on the best models to fit our operation; and the manoeuvrability of the new vehicles is incredible,” added Scott. “We’ve always received great support from the Volvo Trucks network – it keeps us coming back.”
The trucks, which are mounted with bodywork by Crossland Tankers, will operate on shift work, clocking up roughly 50,000km per year.
The first order of rigids to join its fleet comprises a mix of seven 6x4 rigids and seven 8x4 tridems for use exclusively on the company’s contract transporting sludge for Yorkshire Water.
Mark Scott, fleet engineer at Suttons Tankers, said: “We’ve run Volvo for many years, but this is the first time we’ve opted for FMX rigids. Our contract work is very particular, so the team road-tested the truck over two days through the rolling Yorkshire Dales to see if they could handle the job.
“We were able to assess a variety of factors that impact on each job, including access, turning circles, manoeuvrability and traction, and to say we were impressed would be an understatement.
“The demonstrator performed exceptionally and ticked all the boxes. The fact Volvo allowed us to field-test the truck in our more challenging locations sealed the deal. It was an easy decision in the end.”
The 6x4s are powered by Volvo’s D11K engine generating 380 hp and up to 1,800 Nm of torque, while the 8x4 tridems benefit from Volvo’s larger D13K engine producing 420 hp and 2,100 Nm of torque.
The larger 8x4s have been specified with a 9-tonne front axle, tridem bogie rear suspension and a lifting and hydraulically steered tag axle for ultimate manoeuvrability and a small turning circle, despite their larger size.
“We worked closely with John at Thomas Hardie Commercials to get expert advice on the best models to fit our operation; and the manoeuvrability of the new vehicles is incredible,” added Scott. “We’ve always received great support from the Volvo Trucks network – it keeps us coming back.”
The trucks, which are mounted with bodywork by Crossland Tankers, will operate on shift work, clocking up roughly 50,000km per year.
