Go Plant Ltd. has begun to take delivery of 39 new Volvo FE 250 4×2 road sweepers, replacing trucks from rival manufacturers as part of a significant fleet upgrade programme.
The Leicestershire-based business opted for Volvo ahead of two other marques due to a competitive pricing package, strong residual values and the quality of the product.
Supplied by Hartshorne Group, the new 18-tonne rigids are arriving in batches before the end of 2022 and have been fitted with Bucher Municipal sweeper bodies.
Mark Gallimore, Chief Operating Officer at Go Plant Fleet Services, says: “We run a variety of marques in the fleet and looked at three in total for this latest order, but it was Volvo which came out on top. We know they always provide us with a robust chassis with a proven track record in sweeper applications.
“The team at Hartshorne Group also worked hard to come to the table with an attractive all-round offer and were able to secure us guaranteed build slots at a time when there are supply issues across the industry.”
The new FEs have been acquired on a finance lease via Volvo Financial Services. Each truck is powered by Volvo’s D8K Euro-6 diesel engine, producing up to 250 hp and 950 Nm of torque and are driven through a 12-speed automated I-Shift transmission.
Inside the sleeper cabs there is a single bunk, while the onboard experience is improved with Volvo’s Drive package including an electrically operated roof hatch, air conditioning, cruise control and front overhead storage space. The air-suspended driver’s seat has an adjustable shock absorber, backrest, as well as lumbar and heat controls for added comfort.
A factory-fitted lower window on the passenger door, plus electrically heated and operated mirrors increase visibility and safety. The FEs also feature three-piece rear mudwings and LED rear lights.
The trucks are expected to be in service for around six to seven years, clocking up roughly 25,000-30,000 km per annum carrying out road sweeping operations for Go Plant’s wide customer base across the country.
The 39 FEs will be joined by two new Volvo FL 4×2 refuse collection vehicles in the business’s 300-plus fleet in the coming months.
With more than 40 years’ industry experience and expertise, Go Plant Ltd is a major provider of operated road sweepers, operating from a nationwide network of depots and service centres and working in partnership with local authorities as well as the private sector market.
