Morayshire-based Limehillock Quarries has invested in a high-specification Volvo FH16-750 8×4 tractor unit for transporting its mobile crushers and screening plant between sites. Supplied by Kevin Fraser, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, the 170-tonne tractor unit also features Volvo’s unique I-Shift Crawler gearbox and Dynamic Steering system and tandem RSS 2610 hub reduction axles with a final drive ratio of 4.55:1.
Limehillock Quarries also opting for Volvo’s top choice, Globetrotter XL Cab with twin bunks and aDrive 16++ package, as the vehicle will be double-manned on a regular basis. The tractor unit is also fitted with a Jost heavy duty, sliding fifth wheel and an SB Components comprehensive rear cab module that includes a split fuel and hydraulic tank. Additional light bars and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels complement the Volvo’s Post Office Red paintwork, all of which is finished off with anewly designed livery for the company.
The new Volvo FH16 750 was sourced primarily for transport of the company’s mobile crushersand screening plant between its seven quarry sites, which are located across a wide area in the north of Scotland.
The four-axle chassis also features a ten-tonne front axle and a nine-tonne mid-lift pusher axle,which was spec’d to avoid use of jeep dollies with low loader trailers. The new configuration delivers increased manoeuvrability in restricted areas and gives a larger tolerance with axle weights, when compared to Limehillock Quarries’ current three-axle tractor units.
“The new FH represents a substantial investment for our company,” reports Richard Murray, Owner of Limehillock Quarries. “When considering a new heavy haulage truck, we first put out ourrequirements to every commercial vehicle manufacturer and requested that we have a demonstration vehicle as you cannot buy this type of truck from specification sheets alone. However, only Volvo Trucks and one other manufacturer were able to supply demonstrators and the other truck provided for appraisal was only available with a manual gearbox and we felt its engine power output was not quite sufficient for the weights involved.”
Richard adds “As a consequence, all the pointers turned to Volvo for this operator, although to be honest, Volvo was always our preferred option as a long-term investment and the marque’s strongresidual factors also provide reassurance.”
Most of the new FH16-750’s operations will be based around Morayshire and a large percentage ofits work will be on an own account basis, such as crane ballast transport. The Volvo also earns its keep hauling Limehillock Quarries’ tipper and step frame trailers, in addition to the firm’s largerNooteboom low loader.
“The Volvo Dynamic Steering system is already ticking all the boxes our driver and he’s also veryimpressed with the I-Shift Crawler gearbox’s capabilities, particularly when pulling away loaded on an uphill slope. Despite being capable of 170-tonne operations, physically the truck is easy to driveand there’s no strain on the arms or upper body,” Richard continues.
This business owner was also impressed with the ordering and sales process for his new flagship vehicle.
“Kevin Fraser is passionate about his product; he’s a great asset for Volvo. The proposed back-up service was also a strong selling point: the six-weekly inspections are done here on site and the routine servicing with be carried out at the Inverness dealerpoint of Volvo Truck and Bus CentreNorth & Scotland’s,” enthused Richard.
Limehillock Quarries also took delivery of an FH-500 6×2 at the same time as the FH16-750. Thattag axle tractor unit works with a variety of trailers including the firm’s tipper, flat, curtainside andtank trailers.
The company operates a fleet of just over 20 vehicles and the majority are tippers, which are complemented by two hook loaders and some tractor units. The firm’s loyal staff base works on awide variety of projects that include everything from major civil engineering projects to garden improvements for domestic customers.
The FH16-750 is not expected to accrue a high mileage and its weight capabilities mean it will often be working well within design limits.
“I’m delighted with the new Volvo truck. My vehicle options were limited at this weight, but we havedone the procurement process right. The FH16-750 demonstration vehicle was a well-balanced vehicle with tremendous stability levels and the quality of finish throughout is brilliant. SB Components have also done a fantastic job with the aftermarket parts and I cannot speak highly enough of them. We did the livery in-house, it’s bit different from our usual design, but the flagship FH16-750’s arrival seemed the ideal time to modernise,” Richard concludes.
