Chris Hurford, owner of C J Hurford & Sons, says: “Our fleet is mostly high-end kit, and we wanted something a little special again this time. It’s nice to know we have the first FH Aero tipper in the country.
“Where we are based, out on the Mendips, the terrain is very hilly, and we always get good fuel on the Volvos, but this Aero should be even better. We’ve gone with the mirror cameras on this one too – it’s all down to aerodynamics and to save on fuel. That’s the main cost for our business, so anything we can do to reduce that is a huge help.”
Supplied by Russell Woof, Area Sales Manager at Truck and Bus Wales and West, the eye-catching tipper is powered by a D13K Euro-6 engine which delivers 540 hp and a maximum torque output of 2,600 Nm between 1,000 and 1,450 rev/min, for great driveability, efficiency and performance.
The new FH Aero – liveried in the white and red colours of Dragon Asphalt – delivers substantial energy consumption and emission reductions of up to five per cent, in comparison to a standard FH, through a refined sleek, aerodynamic design. This includes Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS) which replaces the traditional exterior mirrors. As well as reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency, the CMS also increases the driver’s field of view to boost safety.
The tipper body was built by George Neville, and the paint job was completed by Merlin Car & Commercials with Naked Signs adding the vinyl. RBF Auto Electricals added a comprehensive electrical installation.
Replacing a truck from a rival manufacturer, the FH Aero is driven through Volvo’s proven 12-speed I-Shift gearbox which features construction software to help with performance on challenging terrain, while the Tridem chassis makes accessing sites far easier, and also reduces tyre wear.
“The turning circle of the Tridem is unmatched, you can get a 20-tonne payload into sites where usually only a six-wheeler can go,” adds Hurford. “The overall package from Volvo is superb. The driver loves it, and that’s so important to keep your drivers happy. I have a great relationship with Russell at Wales and West, he never lets me down.”
Expected to cover roughly 80,000 km per year, the FH Aero 8x4 rigid is covered by a Volvo Blue Contract, including all preventative maintenance.
CJ Hurford & Sons employs 16 members of staff, running 12 trucks on a variety of different contracts. Based just south of Bristol, with great access to the motorway network, the firm’s modern fleet of six and eight-wheel tippers are used to deliver asphalt and aggregates across the south-west.