GH By-Products (Derby) Ltd has taken delivery of a distinctive Volvo FM 8×2 Tridem FEL (Front End Loader) from Crossroads Truck and Bus, Lincoln. The new truck means that the operator can access and lift any bins from 240 litres up to 1100 litres capacity, as well as the industry-specific front end loader skips.
Equipped with a unique body, that was designed and built in collaboration with Ranch Trucks and Trailers of Nottingham, the 410hp Volvo FM Tridem, with I-Shift automated transmission, features Heil front end loader lifting arms and a purpose-built aluminium body with stainless steel cladding.
Transport Manager at GH By-Products, Cliff Mear says: “From the outset this vehicle was always going to be a bespoke vehicle, tailored for a specialist application and capable of carrying up to 36 yd3 (27.5m3) of animal by-products weighing up to 16.180 tonnes. It was only with the build underway though that we began to appreciate what ‘bespoke’ really entailed.”
The FM chassis is an 8×2 single-drive Tridem configuration, selected for its ability to deliver the optimum payload of animal by-products and for its superior manoeuvrability, thanks to its combination of two lift axles (numbers 2 and 4).
The low height FM day cab both accommodates the arch of the lifting arms and enhances driver access. “Our drivers are in and out of the cab a lot,” says Cliff. “The low height cab therefore absolutely suits our health and safety regime.”
While GH By-Products, which was started some 30-years ago by Gary Hanncock, now boasts a fleet of some 30 trucks and 100 trailers (bulkers, tankers, curtainsiders as well as some specialist units), the Volvo FM Tridem is the company’s first front end loader.
“We wanted a truck that enhanced manoeuvrability and flexibility,” says Cliff. “We now have the capability to access and lift any bins from 240 litres up to 1100 litres as well as the industry-specific front end loader skips. Furthermore, with this truck we can visit customers less often, but take more so it is enabling us to maximise utilisation across our fleet.”
While the new Volvo clearly meets the operational wants of GH By-Products, the company’s drivers have also welcomed its arrival with praise.
“They really like this truck,” adds Cliff. “It is superior to anything else in terms of ingress and egress, which is very important. Volvo trucks ideally suit the type of work we do and our drivers really appreciate the user-friendly attributes of this latest addition.”
In this particular case, attributes include stunning Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, an auto washing system for bins, plus a separate high-pressure jet wash and a Ranch Trucks and Trailers on-board weigh system. Under-floor tipping gear comes from Binotto of Loughborough.
“The lids are all hydraulically sealed to prevent odours,” explains Cliff. “This not only makes life a little more pleasant for our drivers, but also ensures we minimise our environmental impact.”
Repair and maintenance for the company’s first Volvo Tridem is taken care of through a service contract at Crossroads Truck and Bus, Lincoln.
