If you only run one truck and only replace it every twelve years, it is a significant event when it’s time to buy a new one.
So totally changing brand to one never tried before was a big move for Bradford-based Russell Stone Merchants. They have just has taken delivery of their first ever Volvo truck, replacing a rival manufacturer with a new crane-equipped 4×2 Volvo FL rigid.
The 18-tonne vehicle has gone into service to help the firm keep up with growing demand in the busy building trade.
“We had our old truck for 12 years and it never let us down, but there’s no doubt this is a step up,” says Paul Jackson, Technical Director at Russell Stone Merchants. “As it’s our only truck, it was absolutely vital we got the decision right. We looked closely at four different manufacturers and did our research. The overriding feedback was that Volvo was the best product and could give us the mileage and payload we needed to do the job.”
The Volvo FL Specification
Supplied by Jason Robinson, Area Sales Manager at Crossroads Truck and Bus, the FL is powered by Volvo’s D8K engine, producing 250 hp and 950 Nm of torque. It features a six-speed I-Sync automated transmission, and steel suspension.
The truck’s cab benefits from the Drive Package – including air conditioning, cruise control and an electric roof hatch – for an enhanced driver workspace, as well as roof mounted amber beacons.
It has been fitted with lightweight dropside bodywork by Micra Truck Bodies, plus an Atlas 105.2 crane to allow the company to easily load and deliver its stone supplies to construction sites.
“We go up as far as Berwick maybe once every couple of weeks, but the majority of the work is closer to home,” says Jackson. “Business is very busy at the moment and most days the truck will go out at its full capacity.
“We put the crane on the back of the truck, which gives us a bit more length to get the pallets on, and we specified a lightweight body, to maximise payload potential.”
The FL is covered by a Volvo Gold Contract repair & maintenance agreement, which guarantees the best possible uptime, with servicing being carried out at Crossroads Truck and Bus’ Birstall depot.
“The service we got from Jason and the team at Crossroads was second to none,” adds Jackson. “The driver absolutely loves the truck. It’s looking like an excellent choice so far and in the long run we’re confident the investment will prove great value for money.”
Established in the early 1970s, Russell Stone Merchants supplies and delivers all types of high-quality stone to house developers, builders and builder’s merchants.
