Keep your neighbours happy – especially if you run a waste transfer business. That’s what the new 16-tonne Volvo FL we be doing for Bury-based ISM Waste.
In addition to cleaning neighbouring streets, the FL road sweeper will be keeping its waste transfer facility and yard clean and tidy. The new 16-tonne sweeper has been introduced ahead of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone going live in Spring 2022, replacing a Volvo FL6 which has been in service with the family firm since 2003.
The Volvo FL Specification
Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, the left-hand drive FL 250 4×2 has been mounted with a Johnston VT652 sweeper body, complete with overhead wander hose for gully sucking. It also features a Supawash high pressure washing system with hand lance and high pressure spray bar, together with Johnston’s automatic lubrication system to keep things running smoothly.
John Allen, Managing Director of ISM Waste, says: “We are committed to running a tidy operation – a lot of effort goes in to keeping the fleet pristine; plus having our own sweeper on-hand really helps to keep the place looking smart too. We send the FL out at least once per week to sweep the road we’re based on – it’s all part of being a good neighbour.”
Commenting on his loyalty to the Volvo Trucks brand, he adds: “Volvo is brilliant; the trucks are well-built, driver acceptance is unrivalled and we get great aftersales support from Thomas Hardie Commercials. Between the manufacturer and the dealer, they literally do everything we ask of them. It’s an incredibly strong package.”
The Truck Buyer
ISM Waste operates 17 trucks, including 16 Volvos, and takes all new vehicles on a five-year Volvo Gold Contract, which sees repair and maintenance carried out by the local dealer in Preston.
The new 16-tonne FL sweeper has been specified with Volvo’s D8K Euro-6 diesel engine, which can produce up to 250 hp and 950 Nm of torque, driven through a nine-speed manual gearbox which provides accurate operator control when road sweeping at slow speeds.
“It’s a fantastic driveline,” says Allen. “The larger 7.7-litre engine provides great low-speed handling and first-class power, in a package which is small, very agile and highly dependable.”
In addition to handling on-site work for ISM Waste, the new sweeper will carry out local hire work approximately two to three days per week. It is expected to cover around 15,000 km per annum.
