The ability to specify the new series Volvo FM 6-wheel rigid with a 10-tonne front axle, sealed the deal for Pickerings Plant, who have put two on the road and ordered another six from Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, Bardon, Leics. These are the first Volvos to be operated by the company, whose Head Office is in Measham, Leicestershire.
The improved weight distribution and additional loading tolerance of a 10-tonne front axle on the FM 6×2 rigids suits Pickerings Plant’s operation, reports Transport Manager Kevin Barber. The additional axle loading tolerance provided by the Volvo’s 10-tonne front axle is a vital part of the specification, he says, as the trucks are equipped with Fassi cranes, mounted behind the cab. These are used to handle not only plant, but also the accommodation and welfare units used on construction sites, which form an important and growing part of the business.
Pickerings Plant currently operates twenty-two, 26-tonne GVW rigids out of 11 locations in England and Wales. The company is growing, says Kevin Barber, and is investing in new depots and new trucks.
“New depots were recently opened at Maidstone and Tiverton. In addition, those at Stafford and Teesside have been re-located and with purpose built facilities now in place this will suit our every need.” He explains.
The on-going expansion of the company’s operations was cited by Kevin Barber as the reason behind the specification of sleeper cabs on the new Volvo FMs as they provide the operation with the option of nights out accommodation, if and when needed.
The FMs were specified with Volvo’s Euro-6, D11K 11-litre engine, rated at 330hp and I-Shift automated gearboxes. The single drive axle and single-wheeled tag axle are air suspended. The tag axle lifts, but does not steer.
According to Pickerings’ Plant Transport Manager Kevin Barber, unladen weight of the plant bodied FM, including the crane, heavy duty bodywork and steel wheels is 16464 Kgs. A typical load is around 9,200 Kgs, he reports. The FM specified for the transport of accommodation and welfare units tares out at around 17,869 Kgs.
The 14.4 metre reach of the 5-stage, chassis mounted Fassi F455 crane, which was installed by Central Crane Technicians in Chesterfield on the plant-bodied Volvo FM, allows the truck to be loaded in a straight line over the back of the back of the body. The 7.62 metre bodywork features extendable twist locks and a mechanically operated chain box to reduce the need for manual handling. Overall length of the rigid is 11.60 metres.
By way of contrast with the Volvo FM specified for carrying accommodation and welfare units, the truck spec for plant haulage utilises a Fassi 365, medium duty, knuckle boom crane with a 10.2 metre reach and ‘cheese wedge’ loading ramps.
Maintenance will be carried out on a Volvo Repair & Maintenance contract at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, Bardon, Leics.
