Evesham-based, Woodlands Generators has put a high-specification, Volvo FH-500 Tridem into service. Supplied by Pete Swinnerton, Transport Solutions Executive at Wales and West Truck and Bus Ltd, the new truck is also equipped with a 53-tonne/metre crane.
The 5,200mm wheelbase Tridem rigid was ordered with a heavy-duty ten-tonne front axle, whichcomplements the rear bogie’s 27-tonne design capabilities. The double drive truck also comes with front steel parabolic spring and rear air suspension, in addition to a hydraulically-steered tag axle.
Woodland Generators opted for Volvo’s D13K engine rated at 500hp that drives an I-Shift automated gearbox and single reduction drive axles with a ratio of 2.83:1. A Standard Sleeper Cab, alloy wheels and aluminium air tanks assist with the crane-equipped vehicle’s unladen weightfigure. The new arrival also benefits from a five-year Volvo Gold Service Contract. Made possible through a telematics gateway, and guaranteeing 100% uptime.
“Local back-up is crucial to our business and the nearby location of Truck and Bus Wales andWest in Evesham is a factor in our purchasing decisions,” notes Jack Preece, Director at Woodlands Generators, adding, “We already have a Volvo FH tractor unit on our fleet. Volvo is agood brand with excellent back-up and response levels.”
The current crane-equipped fleet at Woodlands Generators’ Worcestershire base typically sees 8×4 rigid chassis with lorry-mounted cranes fitted immediately behind the cabs, but as Jack explains, “We’ve switched the usual design around with our first Tridem chassis, as the 8x4s needconstant monitoring not to overload the front axles. The Tridem’s larger capacity rear bogie designhas permitted a rear chassis crane fitment and will bring us more flexibility when moving larger generators.”
A platform plant body manufactured by AG Bracey Ltd is fixed in front of a Fassi F545 remote control crane. The new Volvo FH will work predominately across the UK, with occasional trips to Europe.
“Own account transport represents around 99 per cent of the total work for our fleet. We delivergenerators to Europe about once a month and the most recent journey was to Gibraltar,” Jack informs, concluding, “The new FH is running well and so far there have been no complaints fromthe driver.”
