Paul Newton, Regional Transport Manager (Concrete), Northern Region & Central West, Heidelberg Materials UK, says: “As a business, we were one of the first in the industry to trial the tridem bogie in the industry, back in 2016, and we have always been very impressed. The tridems have great manoeuvrability to access our customers sites, which the drivers really like compared to the standard 8x4 trucks.
“The Volvos are also great performers in terms of fuel economy too, which helps our business reduce its carbon emissions and meet its sustainability targets. Overall, it’s a great package.”
Joining a total fleet of more than 400 concrete mixers at the business – 93 on the company fleet and the remainder working for franchise operators – the 44 tonne trucks are powered by Volvo’s fuel-efficient D11K diesel engines providing 430 hp and 2,050 Nm of torque. The construction version of Volvo’s popular 12-speed I-Shift gearbox helps handling on tough and hilly terrain, with high levels of productivity.
The business worked closely with Jose Lavarello, Key Account Manager, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, to get the specification spot on. Each FM is built with an X-High chassis and rear air suspension – which unlocks crucial additional ground clearance for off-road operation. They are equipped with an 8-metre McPhee concrete mixer body and an Aluminium 350 litre water tank.
For additional driver comfort, the sleeper cabs feature a Drive package which adds electrically controlled air conditioning with sun sensor, dual armrests on the driver’s seat and a tinted glass roof hatch. A fridge/freezer has also been included.
Safety was at the forefront of the specification too, with each FM equipped with an additional side view camera to help protect vulnerable road users, while Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency braking and Lane Departure Warning systems are also on board.
“These trucks replace older model Volvo units in our fleet and the drivers have provided feedback on how much they like the latest version of the FM cabs,” adds Newton. “They are based as far north as Stirling, in Scotland, and as far south as Plymouth. They can be working in all sorts of different environments and locations, including city centres, rural areas or large construction projects, so it is imperative that we have vehicles that are reliable and meet the requirements for our customers and our business.”
The FM mixers will be working five to six days a week and are expected to clock-up in the region of 25,000 km each year. A Volvo Gold Contract, including preventive maintenance and repairs, offers complete peace of mind.
Heidelberg Materials UK is part of Heidelberg Materials, one of the world’s largest integrated manufacturers of building materials and solutions. The business offers an extensive range of heavy building materials including concrete, aggregates, asphalt, cement, Regen GGBS, recycling and contracting services.