Donnell & Ellis Heavy Haulage has added a pair of new Volvo FH16 650 6×4 tractor units to its fleet, replacing two older trucks from a rival manufacturer.
The new additions are plated to operate at a gross combination weight of up to 120 tonnes, the ideal specification for the company’s cross-channel delivery work transporting plant equipment to and from construction sites.
Supplied by Damian Kerin, New Sales Executive at Dennison Commercials, the two FH16s are powered by Volvo’s D16K engine, producing 650 hp and a maximum torque figure of 3,150 Nm.
Scott Donnell, Transport Manager at Donnell & Ellis Heavy Haulage, says: “Traditionally we have been a one manufacturer fleet, but we opted to go for something different this time and, so far, we are very pleased with that decision.
“The main reason was the competitive pricing and the fact that Volvo could offer us the exact specification we were looking for in regards to weight. Most of our loads are crushers and screeners, which are usually between 50 to 60 tonnes. So, we are over 90 tonnes gross but we would never be up at 150 tonnes – the two options we had from our usual manufacturer.
“We have 18 trucks in total, and only had the one Volvo before, but that has always performed very well and never let us down.”
The new FH16s are liveried in the firm’s red and white colours and driven via Volvo’s popular automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, which constantly evaluates information regarding speed, weight, road grade and torque demand to apply precision to every shift.
To maximise startability, Donnell & Ellis Heavy Haulage has also opted to equip its new arrivals with two extra gears – one Crawler and one ultra-low Crawler – in a move that could also reduce clutch wear by up to 75 per cent.
Inside the spacious Globetrotter XL cabs, the company’s drivers are treated to many benefits that form part of Volvo’s Drive+ package, including fully electronic air conditioning with a carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors, dual armrests on the driver seat and an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt.
A one person Living package adds extra cab storage, two bottle holders, a cab parking heater as well as a 33-litre fridge/freezer.
The trucks’ specification also includes Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Support systems to improve safety.
“The level of service from Damian and the team at Dennison Commercials has been first-class, you couldn’t ask for more,” adds Donnell. “The drivers are very happy with their new tools as well.”
Donnell & Ellis Heavy Haulage will pair the FH16s with multi-axle step frame low loader trailers and expect each to clock in the region of 95,000 km per year, operating out of the firm’s Omagh headquarters.
