Supplied by Mark Lingard, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the new trucks will be used to distribute plant hire equipment across the UK and Ireland. They arrive as direct replacements for older Volvo models.

 

Joe Symons, Transport Manager, CRJ Services, says: “Having run Volvos on our fleet for much of the last twenty years, we know the quality of the product and we didn’t need much persuasion to go with them again this time. The new Volvos have been warmly received by our team here, and our drivers especially – they’re delighted with the power and torque available in both trucks.

 

“We also have a very close relationship with Thomas Hardie Commercials. Mark and his colleagues have always been extremely attentive to our needs, they are a pleasure to work with. All that considered, we cannot see ourselves going with any other manufacturer going forward.”

 

The customer’s new Volvo FH16 leverages a Euro-6 compliant Step E D16K engine, producing 650 hp and an impressive peak torque of 3,150 Nm. This will offer plenty of power for CRJ Services’ heavy haulage work, with the vehicle plated for 65-tonne GCW operations.

 

The engine is driven via an automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, which is combined with Volvo’s I-See predictive cruise control system to unlock additional sustainability benefits and operational efficiency via active speed management and perfectly timed gearshifts.

 

Volvo’s Drive+ package is also included in the specification, adding dual armrests, leather upholstery and fully electronic air conditioning with a carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors. Paired with a suspended and heated driver’s seat with adjustable shock absorbers and rear air suspension, this makes for a supremely smooth and comfortable driving experience.

 

A one person living package offers additional storage space plus a luxury sleeper control panel. Volvo’s Media pack with Navigation delivers a comprehensive infotainment thanks to a 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster, a secondary colour display and DAB radio.

 

To boost safety, the specification also incorporates several active safety technologies, such as Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning systems. Rain-sensing wipers, LED headlamps and electrically heated and operated main and wide-angle mirrors provide a clear view of the truck’s surroundings.

 

CRJ Services’ Volvo FH 540 – powered by a Euro-6 compliant Step E D13K engine producing 540 hp and a maximum torque of 2,600 Nm driven via an automated 12-speed
I-Shift transmission – is similarly spec’d, again including extras such as leather interior trim, a suspended driver’s seat and I-See predictive cruise control, amongst other options.

 

“Those creature comforts make the world of difference for our guys, so we’re more than happy to go the extra mile when it comes designing our specs,” adds Joe.

 

The new trucks are each backed by a Volvo Blue Contract including all preventative maintenance, and are expected to cover 100,000 km, predominately working weekdays. Decked out in CRJ Services’ distinctive black and green livery, both models are completed with Alcoa Dura Bright alloy wheels.

 

Founded in 1998, CRJ Services is a comprehensive material processing equipment solutions provider, operating plant hire, equipment and parts sales and service support businesses from its north west headquarters.