Ellesmere Port-based civil engineering and construction firm D Morgan plc has invested in 32 new Volvos, comprising 31 FMX 8×4 rigids and one FH16 650 double drive tractor unit.
All the FMXs’ feature Volvo’s D11K 410hp Euro 6 engines and include I-Shift gearboxes with Volvo’s construction package software. They also have single reduction, tandem 23-tonne drive axles with differential and cross locks. To reduce site dust levels, the extra-high chassis are fitted with horizontal-mounted diesel particulate filters and vertical SCR exhaust silencers.
“We chose to expand our fleet with Volvo trucks after conducting extensive trials and getting great feedback from multiple drivers. This, coupled with the strength of its local dealership, fuel economy and anticipated residual values were also attractive,” said Dale Anderton, transport manager at D Morgan.
“We’re taking the FMXs’ in staggered deliveries to ensure no disruption to our customer schedules. The vehicles now in service are performing well and have been very well received by our drivers.”
The FMX tippers have an array of safety features included, such as Volvo’s factory fitted lower passenger door glazing that increases the driver’s direct vision levels. In addition to the data from the FMXs’ Weighmaster on board weighing systems, images from a five-point and left turn camera system, all feed into the in-cab monitor, thus minimising driver distraction levels. Sidescan cycle safety systems and reversing alarms have also been installed, as well as bespoke side protection guards, which feature 10 themed designs paying tribute to the local areas and sectors the vehicles operate in.
All the FMX chassis come with a new design of tipper body, manufactured by Boweld. “Our new Boweld bodies have an extremely clean profile and no horizontal surfaces, which prevents the gathering of excess spoil,” said Dave Dulohery, fleet engineering director at D Morgan.
“The body’s side panels are constructed from ribbed 3mm Hardox steel for increased strength, with a tapered design which encourages clean expulsion of material, whilst the letter M- embossed into the rear tailgate is not purely decorative; it also gives the panel extra rigidity.”
The new Boweld body is also designed to maximise payload figures and the sloping rear tailgate doors come with automatic locking devices.
The sole Volvo FH16 650 6×4 tractor is plated for 150-tonne maximum weight operation and will move D Morgan’s plant equipment across the UK and comes with a Globetrotter XL cab on a 3.4 metre wheelbase. Powered by Volvo’s D16K engine producing 650hp, the powertrain also contains an I-Shift automated gearbox and T-Ride hub reduction tandem 32 tonne axles with a ratio of 3.76:1. Ordered with a Jost JSK38C cast iron fixed fifth wheel, the FH16 650 hauls a four-axle Nooteboom step frame trailer.
David Hill, customer solutions manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd, supplied the vehicles to D Morgan.
