Davies Crane Hire’s Owner, Malcolm Davies, says: “We’ve been buying Volvos for more than 25 years and it’s the customer service that keeps us loyal. The reliability of the trucks is second to none and, even when things go wrong, you can reach someone 24/7 to get the problem sorted as quickly as possible. That back-up is crucial when you’re running a business like ours.
“This FH16 780 will be a flagship addition to our fleet. Given the loads we carry and the locations we deliver to, we need trucks that can handle steep inclines and tough terrain without breaking a sweat. The extra power of the 780 hp engine will make a big difference in those situations – we’re confident it’ll rise to the challenge.”
Davies Crane Hire has opted for Volvo’s top-of-the-range 17-litre Euro 6 compliant step E engine to unlock a staggering 780 hp and a peak torque of 3,800 Nm. This ensures the truck has ample power available to complete the customer’s day-to-day heavy haulage work, for which it will typically be paired with a specialist Nooteboom rear-steer low-loader trailer.
The D17 engine is equipped with a single efficient turbocharger that boosts responsiveness and improves the driving experience. An innovative Volvo patented wave piston design further optimises combustion and reduces emissions, while a new injection system and increased peak cylinder pressure enable improved fuel economy and high-power output respectively.
The engine brake power across the entire speed range has also been greatly improved versus Volvo’s existing powertrain range, delivering outstanding engine response. This enables fast gearshifts, resulting in less wear and tear on the brake pads and discs, while also being more efficient when travelling downhill.
Davies Crane Hire’s new truck features an I-Shift transmission, which the business has specified with two extra gears – one crawler and one ultra-low crawler. These help to improve startability when transporting heavy loads and can also reduce clutch wear by up to 75 per cent.
A Globetrotter cab has been fully kitted out with leather upholstery, a microwave and fridge, while a Drive+ package adds fully electronic air conditioning with carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors, an electrically operated roof hatch, and dual armrests.
The new flagship truck has arrived at the business alongside a similarly spec’d Volvo FH16 750 6x4 tractor unit.
Founded in 1979, Davies Crane Hire is a family-run business, which operates four strategically placed depots in Carmarthen, Port Talbot, Milford Haven and Cardiff. Its fleet of cranes range from 8-tonne to 650-tonne capacity.