The top specification Volvo with all-round air suspension and steered pusher axle will be responsible for deliveries nationwide.
Plant and Operations Manager, Craig Hore says: “With gross vehicle weights already exceeding 100-tonnes and expectations that, with new plant investments, this could creep higher still, pure muscle is a consideration that we had to factor in.”
“The D16K engine producing 750hp at between just 1600 and 1800rpm and delivering peak torque of 3550Nm at between 950 and 1400rpm makes this truck something special and just what we need for ever heavier loads.” Added Craig.
“The incredible power is transmitted through the Volvo I-Shift automated transmission with enhanced software for off-road driveability and starting, which in conjunction with the ultra-low 32:1 crawler gear provides exceptional pull from stationary. I think this truck future proofs us for the next three years,” he concluded.
Prior to 2004, KKB hired-in heavy haulage, but since electing to run its own trucks, the reliability and residual values of Volvo, allied to the service and support provided by M C Truck and Bus, has meant Volvo simply makes sense. “In my opinion, be it trucks or construction equipment, Volvo leads the way in terms of high value, total cost of ownership,” says Craig. “I don’t believe there’s a manufacturer out there that can rival Volvo.”
Allied to these benefits is the support provided by MC Truck and Bus. “We have Gold R&M contracts and use the ‘drop off in the evening’ service, which means all our maintenance, six-weekly inspections and any repairs are carried out overnight,” explains Craig. “This service means we avoid downtime, which is a major benefit.” Indeed, so pleased is Craig with the service, that alongside KKB’s trucks, the company also has its trailers maintained by the dealership.
The new truck is fitted with nearside and forward facing cameras, as well as near and off-side rear facing cameras on the Nooteboom ‘Pendle’ 4-axle low bed trailer to which it is coupled. The company also specified the factory-fit audible left turn alert. “Through specifying these driver aids we are taking every reasonable step to safeguard pedestrians and vulnerable road users, especially in city environments,” states Director of Business Development, Sally Pearson. “We are currently FORS Bronze accredited, moving towards Gold standard, which I think further demonstrates our commitment in this regard.”
One only needs to look at the new Volvo FH16-750 or the company’s impressive head office in Rochester and it’s clear KKB Group sets great store in getting the details right.
“The same approach is taken with the work we do,” says Sally. “We pride ourselves on offering a complete end-to-end solution via our six core work sectors that cover decontamination and development of brownfield sites through remediation, recycling, plant hire and plant sales through to demolition and the development of infrastructure and civil engineering works. We offer expert advice and value-engineering to ensure the most cost-effective remediation methodology is applied on every job. As with the new Volvo it’s all in the detail.”
