Civil engineering contractors W M Donald has added another Volvo to its fleet – taking delivery of a new FMX 540 Globetrotter, mounted with a triple fan suction excavator.
The striking 8×4 Tridem rigid, decked out in the firm’s deep blue livery, will be used to help the Aberdeen-based business in its work on major infrastructure projects across the north- east of Scotland.
Supplied by Craig Easton, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, the FMX has a nine-tonne front axle and is powered by Volvo’s D13K engine producing 540 hp and an impressive 2,600 Nm of torque.
Ewan Riddoch, Managing Director of W M Donald, says:
“In the past we’ve tended to run with a different manufacturer, but we’ve been moving more towards Volvo. Five of the seven trucks we have now are Volvos.
The key factors for opting for them this time was a competitive price point, a good relationship with the local dealer and the improved turning circle the Tridem can give us. Also, the bodybuilder was very familiar with the FMX chassis so the process of fitting that equipment was more straightforward.”
The suction excavator – essentially a “550 hp hoover,” as Riddoch describes it – was fitted and supplied by MTS and helps W M Donald excavate around existing utility services, significantly reducing the risk of damaging them in the process.
“We have about 80 conventional excavators in operation at any one time,” explains Riddoch. “There are a lot of existing utilities in the ground and putting an excavator bucket and a utility supply together is not a good idea, as there’s always the risk that something could get damaged. When we suspect there are utilities in the area, we can suction excavate around them which is a lot safer. No one wants to get a reputation for being a careless contractor.”
Combined with the added manoeuvrability of the FMX Tridem, it is an ideal solution for W M Donald. Volvo’s latest version of the FMX is built for the toughest conditions and most demanding assignments. It has also been designed to give a superior combination of agility and durability, keeping the driver safe and comfortable.
The updated cab design offers greater space and visibility, with distinctive V-shaped LED headlamps with headlamp protectors, new anti-slip steps and a striking digital dashboard display.
Driven through Volvo’s proven I-Shift automated 12-speed transmission, with enhanced software for construction and off-road applications, W M Donald’s new truck features ultra- light aluminium air tanks and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels.
Expected to be in operation five to six days a week, the FMX is backed by a five-year Volvo Gold Contract – guaranteeing maximum uptime – and benefits from a spacious Globetrotter cab with One Bed Resting package, plus Media package with navigation, to ensure a premium onboard experience for the driver.
“The driver is very impressed with the turning circle,” adds Riddoch. “He really likes the cab environment as well, with great visibility. There is more space to move around and he has plenty of storage to keep all his wet weather gear and equipment.”
Established in 1977, family-owned W M Donald is one of the largest and most well-respected civil engineering and construction contractors in the north of Scotland.
