Woking, Surrey-based demolition, construction and haulage firm, Inkerman Hire Services has turned to Volvo for its pulling power, by ordering a new FH16-750 8×4 rigid hook lift to haul plant machinery on a drawbar trailer.
The 44-tonne combination required a powerful engine for the heavy work, which is the main reason why Charlie Garnade, Inkerman’s Managing Director reports they chose the FH16 from Volvo. “We move quite a few machines about and we just felt there wasn’t enough power in other vehicles to pull a machine on the back of the lorry, as well as the trailer itself,” Charlie says adding, “I used to have a Volvo FL10 tipper and an FM9 grab lorry. They were good vehicles for the price and we knew this Volvo was the right machine for the job.”
The Volvo FH16’s 5,600mm wheelbase chassis was specified with a ‘Sleeper’ cab, I-Shift automated 12-speed gearbox, Dynamic Steering and rear air suspension. Other features include a reinforced gearbox, Dura-Bright polished aluminium rims with standard holes, fuel anti-theft and anti-spillage devices. Another crucial component ordered was Volvo’s Tandem Axle Lift.
As Charlie explains, “We needed an 8×4 rigid configuration because we need to go off-road sometimes. When we found out Volvo did a Tandem Axle Lift it was an opportunity to have an 8×4, but only when we needed it. We don’t know anyone else that offers that choice.”
Supplied by Tony Woods at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London’s Croydon dealerpoint, Charlie says he was impressed with the dealer’s commitment to delivering exactly what Inkerman Hire Services required.
“We had a good relationship from the moment we spec’d it up to the time of collection,” Charlie notes concluding, that “they did all they could to get it to us on time.”
