Anthony McGuinness, Transport Manager at McGuinness Haulage, says: “Reducing our company’s carbon footprint is a key component of our business plan, so we’re delighted to welcome these new Volvo FH with I-Save tractor units. Through the technology on board we can continue to push the envelope on fuel economy, helping boost our bottom line while lowering our overall emissions.
“The relationship we have with the Thomas Hardie team is very strong too. They always deliver a prompt and flexible service, regularly going above and beyond to make absolutely sure all our Volvos are fulfilling their potential.”
The new FH with I-Save trucks each feature a D13TC Euro-6 Step E engine, producing 500 hp and 2,800 Nm of torque, benefitting from turbo-compounding technology. This allows drivers to maintain lower revs and a higher gear for longer, for a more fuel-efficient journey.
Also included in the I-Save package is Volvo’s predictive cruise control system, I-See, which analyses and adapts to gradients in the road ahead, and I-Cruise with I-Roll, which adjusts speed to further optimise fuel consumption. Additional fuel economy gains are unlocked by roof and cab side air deflectors, as well as Volvo’s proven 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox. Volvo’s popular transmission analyses factors such as speed, weight, road grade and torque demand to perfectly time every shift.
“We’ve not had time to bed them in properly yet and they’ve been doing shorter runs than they typically would but, even still, the figures we’re seeing already are very promising,” adds McGuinness. “It is very exciting to think about when you remember there is still undoubtedly more fuel economy to come.”
Included in the specification is Volvo’s Drive++ package, adding leather upholstery, dual armrests on both seats and an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt, plus an under-bunk mounted 33-litre fridge, while the customer has also opted for a microwave and a coffee maker. This comfortable layout is complemented with front and rear cab air suspension and a heated and suspended driver’s seat.
The company has also opted for Volvo’s Media package with navigation which includes a high performance 12” fully dynamic instrument cluster alongside a secondary colour information display, plus DAB radio.
McGuinness Haulage has backed its latest Volvos with comprehensive four-year Volvo Gold Contracts for full cost control, worry-free ownership, and maximum uptime. The new assets have been acquired via a Hire Purchase agreement from Volvo Financial Services.
Expected to cover 140,000 km a year, the new tractor units will predominately work five days a week, Monday through Friday. They’ll be typically used on bulk animal feed and grain tipper work throughout the UK.