A tractor unit at around 8 tonnes unladen including a tank of fuel and tipping gear is a good result these days. Since payload is king for aggregate operators it’s worth trying that bit harder to find a truck that is lightweight yet can still perform.
That’s what Nottingham-based Erewash Commercials and Hartshorne’s have achieved in the specification of their new Volvo FM Globetrotter Lite 6×2 tractor unit.
Lightweight Specification
Supplied by Jack Castle, Areas Sales Manager at Hartshorne Group, the FM has been built to transport aggregates and features a mono leaf front suspension, lightweight pusher axle, aluminium air tanks, aluminium susie arch and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels to keep things super lightweight.
It comes with LED headlights, air-operated fifth wheel, twin roof-mounted amber LED beacons and tipping gear from Commercial Vehicle Hydraulics.
“So far, we have been really impressed with the FM’s payload capacity,” says Adam Smith, Director at Erewash Commercials. “We specifically wanted the truck to be as light as possible and Jack and the team at Hartshorne have guided us to a fantastic solution – and all without affecting performance or comfort levels.
“Being able to carry more per load reduces the number of journeys we make, which in turn cuts running costs and saves fuel – improving our sustainability and profitability.”
The customer has also specified this vehicle with multiple options packs, adding features including full electronic air-conditioning, twin armrests, a nine-inch side display with touchscreen and an ultra-comfy bunk set-up to ensure the driver can enjoy a great night’s rest.
“We’ve been working with Volvo for many years now,” adds Smith. “Their products and the support we receive from our local dealer continues to be unmatched in terms of reliability and quality.
“The feedback from our drivers on the new truck has also been outstanding – in particular they really like how user-friendly the new FM is, and how comfortable it is to drive. It’s reinforced the fact we made the right decision to expand our fleet with Volvo.”
The new FM is powered by Volvo’s D13K engine, producing 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque.
Its arrival marks an addition to the firm’s 20-strong fleet, and it comes backed by a Volvo Gold Contract to guarantee maximum uptime. This will see all routine maintenance taking place at Hartshorne Group’s dealership in Alfreton, just a few miles from Erewash’s base in Pinxton.