It makes sense that if you like their road trucks, chances are you’ll be keen on their construction equipment. That’s certainly the case with Scotland’s Celmisa Plant Hire and the Volvo brand. The company has been buying the Swedish marque for some forty years and has just taken delivery of their latest purchase, a new FH 540 Globetrotter 6×4 tractor unit.

Supplied by Rhona Paterson, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, the new FH will be paired with a Faymonville trailer and predominately used to haul heavy plant equipment throughout Scotland’s central belt. It replaces a 2014 FH 540 in the customer’s fleet.

Mark Johnston, Plant Manager at Celmisa Plant Hire, says: “We’ve been buying Volvo products for more than 40 years now throughout the business, so we’re well accustomed to what the brand brings to the table. From construction equipment to trucks, Volvo has consistently delivered unmatched performance and reliability ensuring that our operations run smoothly day-in, day-out.

“The backup service we receive from our local dealer is just as good. From day one it was clear that they understood exactly what we needed, both in terms of product and ongoing aftersales support. We couldn’t be happier.”

Two Crawler Gears for 6×4 Tractor Unit

Powered by a Euro-6 D13K Step E engine, the FH delivers 540 hp and a peak torque of 2,600 Nm. This is driven through an automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox. To maximise startability, Celmisa Plant Hire has also opted to equip its new arrival with two extra gears – one Crawler and one ultra-low Crawler – in a move that could also reduce clutch wear by up to 75 per cent. The customer has also specified Volvo’s Tandem Axle Lift, for improved fuel efficiency and a tighter turning radius when operating unladen, together with improved traction when laden. It also has hub reduction rear axles to increase ground clearance and durability, while also resulting in a smoother acceleration when starting on soft ground.

“As our yard is located at a farm at the top of quite a steep hill, it can be tricky hauling heavy loads up and down, especially when we hit the wet, icy and snowy winter months,” adds Johnston. “That’s why we were looking forward to the I-Shift transmission this time. Having those gear changes automated takes a huge amount of stress off our drivers’ shoulders and will make climbing that hill an absolute breeze, in pretty much any weather.”

Plenty of Extras Fitted

The truck’s Globetrotter cab is fitted with a Volvo Drive+ package, including fully electronic air conditioning with a carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors, dual armrests on the driver seat and an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt. In addition, Celmisa Plant Hire has opted for leather upholstery as well as dual armrests also on the passenger seat.

A one person Living package adds extra cab storage, two bottle holders, a cab parking heater as well as a 33-litre fridge/freezer. A microwave has also been installed, along with heated and suspended driver and passenger seats, completing a comfortable in-vehicle environment.

The driving experience is further enhanced through a Media pack with navigation, including a 12” instrument cluster with a secondary colour display and DAB radio. Celmisa Plant Hire has also chosen the Visibility+ package, bringing electrically heated and operated main and wide-angle mirrors and Volvo’s distinctive V-shaped LED headlamps which automatically adjust to ambient light conditions to grant its drivers a clear view of the road.

To boost driving safety, the trucks also benefit from Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Support systems.

Based in Neilston, just south of Glasgow, 2023 marks Celmisa Plant Hire’s 45th year in business. Its new FH is backed by a Volvo Gold Contract, delivering full cost control, worry-free ownership and maximum uptime by covering all repairs and wear and tear while also enabling preventative maintenance and 24/7 real time monitoring of critical components. The vehicle is expected to cover up to 50,000 km annually working five days a week.