Things are looking positive for Volvo Trucks. They managed to break into an 18-strong fleet with one new FH last year – the first Volvo for ten years – which has just been followed by the delivery of a second FH with I-Save.
P Harper & Sons was obviously impressed with the fuel figures returned by their first Volvo last year.
“We run a variety of trucks in the fleet, but we hadn’t had a Volvo for quite a while before putting the FH into service,” says Adam Harper, Transport Manager at Huntingdon-based P Harper & Sons. “We always look for the best overall product in terms of fuel, reliability and value for money.
“People had told us about Volvo’s new turbo compound engine, and we thought we’d give it a go. The driver absolutely loved it from the start and the fuel performance it has given us has been excellent, so we decided to go back for another one.”
The Volvo FH Specification
Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the new 6×2 460hp tractor unit is a Volvo FH Lite model. The pusher axle on the FH Lite can be lifted to save fuel when not required and the entire installation is up to 490 kg lighter than a conventional 6×2.
The additional payload capacity of the new truck is ideal for P Harper & Son’s bulk tipper operations, transporting primarily agricultural goods to and from farms all over the UK.
But it was the fuel-saving efficiency of the I-Save engine that was key for the business.
The Volvo FH with I-Save combines the D13TC Euro-6 Step D engine with turbo-compounding and updated features, which reduce fuel consumption in long-haul operations – without compromising driveability. Additional software such as Volvo Truck’s predictive cruise control, I-See – that analyses and adapts to gradients in the road ahead and includes gear-shifting software optimised for long-distance applications – add to I-Save’s fuel saving qualities.
Vehicle Handover & Training
To ensure P Harper & Sons is getting the very best out of the trucks, Jonathan Warby, Fuelwatch Manager at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East provided a full vehicle handover and further on-road training with the drivers of both FHs.
“The fuel was definitely the main selling point for us,” says Harper. “We were very impressed with the first one and this new truck has settled in very well too. We pride ourselves on running a prestigious, good looking fleet and the latest addition certainly fits the bill.”
The new FH with I-Save – expected to cover between 130-140,000km per year – is decked out in the company’s striking sky-blue livery and fitted with side skirts and tipping gear from SB Components.
Built on a 4,000mm wheelbase, the truck features a Globetrotter cab, with Drive+ package for added comfort. It is covered by a five-year Volvo Gold Contract, with all servicing and maintenance to be carried out at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East’s depot in Peterborough.
