Scottish operator, Stoddart Crane Hire has a new fleet flagship – a 150-tonne Volvo FH16 750 6×4 tractor unit – supplied by Kevin Fraser, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland and which is used predominantly for the transportation of crane ballast.
“We need every ounce of the new Volvo FH16’s 750hp power output, as some of our combinations run at 40-tonnes unladen,” declares David Stoddart, Managing Director at Stoddart Crane Hire, based in the Highland village of Muir of Ord.
The new FH16 750 has also specified with a Globetrotter Cab and Volvo’s I-Shift automated Crawler gearbox. The latter transmission option is available with the choice of one or two crawler gears, plus the additional choice of extra reverse gears.
A list of interior cab options includes Volvo’s Drive 16++ package alongside full leather trims, with a fridge, microwave oven and TV preparation.
Stoddart Crane Hire’s eye catching yellow and blue livery includes a factory applied, enhanced paint finish and the high specification double drive tractor unit also includes Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels with Michelin tyres.
A raft of aftermarket fitments sees Truckmax exhaust stacks joined by chassis storage lockers and a full range of additional work, strobe and driving lights. SB Components fitted the Catwalk and chassis infills.
Stoddart Crane Hire also opted for a 3,400mm wheelbase, T-Ride chassis and a Heavy Duty Transmission Package, all backed up by a four-year Volvo Gold Service Contract, which guarantees 100% uptime.
The FH16 750 entered service with Stoddart Crane Hire in January, but has since impressed its driver, Ewan Stoddart, son of the MD, David.
“The new Volvo is the most powerful truck we’ve operated to date and it was bought for two main reasons; the engine size and vehicle capability. All our tractor units are dealer maintained and we’ll probably retain the FH16 750 for at least five years or maybe more,” adds David.
He concludes, “Kevin Fraser looks after us well and our servicing will be carried out at weekends, to minimise disruption to our work schedules.”
The company has operated a Volvo FH tag axle tractor unit for four years and that 460hp truck has delivered a solid, reliable performance.
