Volvo tractor units have always been extremely popular in the UK – as far back as the F88 in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Today’s trucks are just as popular and even more iconic. The top of the range Volvo FH tractor units are amongst the most powerful in the world, swapping the title with fellow Swedes Scania. With power outputs of 750hp the top-end, 16-litre FH16 Volvo tractor unit is the one that every driver would want. Hard to justify with maximum gross vehicle weights of 44 tonnes in the UK and a country that is not too hilly. The Globetrotter cab is present on nearly all Volvo Tractor units – at least it is the case for the FH model – there is also a larger cab, the Globetrotter XL for those truck buyers who spend a lot of nights out in their cabs. The range has developed further and now you can also buy used examples of Volvo tractor units with Globetrotter XXL cabs.
The FM tractor unit range uses a smaller cab and is better suited for more local or high payload operations – although a Globetrotter version of the narrower FM is also available.
January 2024 saw Volvo announce the launch of their revised cabs for their FH tractor unit range as well as upgrades to their FM range of tractor units.
The ‘Aero’ cabs use the recently introduced changes to the dimension regulations which allow trucks to be longer assuming the additional length is used for aerodynamic benefit. The new Volvo FH Aero tractor units have a 24cm extension to the front of the cab which, Volvo claim, improves both fuel economy and stability in windy conditions. The new tractor units are available as an FH16 with the enlarged 17-litre engine with a record-breaking 780hp available, the standard, 13-litre Euro 6, Step E engines, gas versions plus gas and electric versions.
In addition to a enlarged Volvo badge, the Volvo FM tractor unit received some new technology, including rear view mirror cameras, refinements to the I-See technology, updates to the braking system plus a revised infotainment and sound system.
Bath-based haulier Stuart Harvey Transport has taken delivery of a high specification Volvo FH 500 with I-Save Globetrotter XL 6x2 tractor unit. The stunning new truck is equipped with I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission and numerous creature comforts to maximise driving experience and fuel efficiency. Supplied by Mike Gill, Area Sales Manager, Truck and Bus Wales and West, the FH is the latest Volvo to arrive with the customer, having first turned to the Swedish marque in 2019. Stuart Harvey, owner, says: “Since taking delivery of our first Volvo, we’ve been mightily impressed with the brand’s driving performance, fuel efficiency and…
It is a solid start – an operator with a 93-strong truck fleet has taken the plunge and invested in an electric tractor unit – a 666hp Volvo FM electric. Sensibly, the operator, Glastonbury-based business Sparks Transport took a look at their operations in conjunction with the Volvo Truck dealer, Truck and Bus Wales and West. As a result, they pinpointed a small section of their routes that could cope with the issues associated with electric truck operation. Next on the list was to put an electric demonstrator on the routes to see if the theory was correct. After the…
You have to be confident in your procurement process to replace a fleet of 61 trucks of one marque with a totally different one in one fell swoop. That’s what DS Smith Logistics has done in taking delivery of 61 new Volvo FM 460 Globetrotter 6x2 tractor units. The new trucks – that arrive via a long-term contract-hire agreement from TIP Group – replace vehicles from a rival manufacturer in the paper, packaging and recycling business’ busy operation. Demonstrator Truck Vital in Procurement Process Volvo Trucks secured the order on the back of the strong performance of a demonstrator that…
Multi-temperature distribution business Moran Logistics has added 15 new Volvo FM 460 6x2 tractor units to its busy, growing fleet. The new FMs – which all meet Transport for London’s 3-star Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating – offer the company the ideal solution for its multi-drop delivery operations into urban areas. Supplied by Jack Hulse, Fleet Sales Manager at Hartshorne Group, the new arrivals join a 250-strong truck fleet, roughly 20 per cent of which are now Volvos. Mark Burrell, Chief Executive Officer at Moran Logistics, says: “As part of our relentless focus on delivering the best service levels, we…
Now, this looks like a proper working truck. All too often when we see images of new electric trucks going into service they appear to be on lighter duties and may be part of a fleet ‘for show’. The new 44-tonne Volvo FH Electric 6x2 tractor unit operated by Bartrums on behalf of Boortmalt, a Bury St. Edmunds-based malt firm is the first heavy-duty electric truck to be deployed in East Anglia. And it looks up to the job. Supplied by Alan Didwell, Key Account Sales Manager at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the vehicle joins Boortmalt’s…