Supplied by Jason Robinson, Area Sales Manager at Crossroads Truck and Bus, the FH16 marks a significant investment for the business which has traditionally used outside contractors to move its heavy equipment.
Paul Clarke, Internal Transport Manager, says: “It was a strategic decision from the company directors to invest in our first truck to stop that flow of money heading out of the business. We have a lot of Volvo construction equipment in our plant fleet, so they were always going to be high on our list of manufacturers when it came to looking for our first truck.
“Jason and the team at Crossroads were extremely helpful throughout the process, and the solution they presented to us was really compelling. In the end, Volvo came out as a clear winner. The FH16 is a special truck and, ultimately, we decided why not go for the biggest engine on the market!”
The Sirius Group’s new tractor unit is equipped with Volvo’s 780 hp top-of-the-range D17 engine – the most powerful ever to feature in a Volvo truck – which delivers 3,800 Nm of torque and more engine braking power at low speed.
A single efficient turbocharger is built into the engine, which 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 FH16, plated for 90-tonne operations, is driven through an automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, with deep multi-speed reverse gears and a heavy-duty Volvo gearbox retarder, plus two crawler gears – one low and one ultra-low – to boost startability and manoeuvrability at very low speeds. It is the ideal package for transporting The Sirius Group’s heavy loads.
“Our machinery is heavy-duty stuff, but the Volvo can easily handle whatever we throw at it,” adds Clarke. “The driver absolutely loves it. He’s only a young lad, but he knows his trucks and has said the performance is first-class. Even with 44 tonnes on the back, it coasts up the hills without missing a beat.”
Inside the Globetrotter XL cab, the specification has been focused on driver comfort, with full black leather trim, an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt, electric air conditioning with a carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors, plus a TV and a microwave.
The eye-catching exterior of the FH16 – which is backed by a full Volvo Gold Contract, for maximum uptime and peace of mind – is finished in the company’s black and green livery, with Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels.
Established in 2003, The Sirius Group is a fast-growing business specialising in consultation and contract work in brownfield development – from planning and geotechnical surveys to remediation, demolition, civil engineering and renewable energy.