Gibbs Surfacing of Swindon has taken delivery of its first-ever Volvo trucks – an FMX 500, 6×4 tipper with drawbar and two Volvo FH 540 6×2 tractor units with Globetrotter cabs – from Truck and Bus Wales & West, Swindon.
The three new trucks are being used to transport the company’s six pavers, two asphalt milling machines and various double drum asphalt compactors across an area encompassing all of Wales as well as west to Exeter, east as far as Kent and north to Birmingham.
Transport Manager Wayne Prior says: “These are our first-ever Volvos and we’ve found the payload and handling to be far superior to our previous trucks. What’s more, our drivers think they’re lovely and very smooth to drive. All three trucks are equipped with the 12-speed Volvo I-Shift automated transmission and I think it is fair to say there’s nothing out there to compare.”
The Volvo FMX with rear air suspension and a GCW of 44-tonnes is fitted with a Boweld tipper body and is used in conjunction with an Andover Trailers drawbar trailer to transport the company’s milling machines to and from sites. On site the Volvo FMX is pressed into service collecting the milled asphalt for transportation to either Gibbs Surfacing’s own asphalt recycling plant in Swindon or to a more local recycling centre when further afield.
“The FMX is fitted with the Volvo on-board weigh system, which we’ve found to be really good,” says Wayne. “The driver sets a weight through a visual display and then audio alert take over. The accuracy of the system is spot on and ensures we always remain within limits while maximising productivity and efficiency. This means when transporting the milled asphalt we can carry up to 14 tonnes of material.”
The two Volvo FH tractor units are used for transportation of the company’s pavers and other road building equipment on either an Andover Trailers sloping trailer or a King standard step. “We’ve been really impressed with the FH tractor units,” says Wayne. “The all-round visibility is much better than we expected and, for added safety, nearside sensors are fitted to alert the drivers to vulnerable road users. On all three trucks the Volvo reverse cameras are supplemented with Dashcam forward facing systems.”
All three trucks are covered by a full R&M contract with Wales and West Truck & Bus. “The support we’ve had from the dealership in Swindon has been really good,” says Wayne. “Furthermore, the build quality and reliability means we can concentrate on building roads knowing that transportation of our equipment is in good hands. This is crucial because so many projects are absolutely time critical.”
