Longthorne of Hebden has taken delivery of three Volvo FH 6×2 tractor units and two FM 8×4 rigid trucks from Crossroads Truck and Bus, Birstall, West Yorkshire. The new trucks are already working on the aggregate and asphalt side of the family-owned business, which is also well known for the transportation of livestock.
Mark Longthorne, the youngest of the three Longthorne brothers (Jonathan and Gordon being his older siblings), and manager of the business says: “Our relationship with Volvo and the Crossroads dealership dates back to the 1960s when our father, Ken took delivery of a Volvo F86. Throughout the years the support and level of service we’ve received from Crossroads and Volvo has been second-to-none.”
“Whenever we buy new trucks we always do so in conjunction with our drivers as they’re the ones that will be in them each day. Volvo is always their first choice,” he adds.
The three new Volvo FH tractor units were specified with the 13-litre D13K engine producing 540hp and up to 2600Nm of torque. Longthorne also specified the I-Shift automated gearbox for improved fuel economy. For superior off-road driveability, all three tractor units are equipped with enhanced I-Shift software.
All three also feature low maintenance Jost fifth wheels incorporating composite wear pads, which eliminates the need for greasing.
Along with the new Volvo FH tractor units Longthorne has taken delivery of three 36m³ capacity Wilcox plank-sided, aggregate tipping trailers, featuring PM Onboard weighing systems and equipped with Dawbarn Hydroclear, electro-hydraulically operated rollover sheeting systems.
With the trucks Mark specified the Volvo Drive Plus cab package, which incorporates leather steering wheel, leather upholstered armrest, electrically-controlled air conditioning, electrically-heated and operated main mirror and near-side and off-side wide angle mirrors. He has also opted for the Volvo Living package with single bed. This package features a luxury sleeper control panel, a 1.8kW air to air night heater and a high power audio system with integrated Bluetooth phone and USB connectivity.
Mark says: “While the three Volvo FH tractor units came with standard white cabs the factory did paint the chassis for us in China red. Ultimate bodywork in Rotherham subsequently painted the cabs in our Aztec blue and then Andy Scott and his son added our livery and stripes. We have also added Kelsa light bars.”
The two FM 8×4 tippers are equipped with Day cabs and the enhanced I-Shift software as found on the FH tractor units. Powered by Volvo D13K 12.8 litre engines producing 460hp and up to 2300Nm of torque, the Volvo Engine Brake (VEB) provides up to 375kW of retardation. The bodies, one for aggregate and one insulated for the transportation of asphalt, are by A J Heyton.
“Like all of our trucks, these latest additions to the fleet are equipped with Brigade camera systems providing all-round coverage,” concludes Mark.
