Morayshire-based Limehillock Quarries has invested in a high-spec Volvo FH16-750 8×4 tractor unit for the transport of plant between its sites.
Limehillock Quarries’ 170-tonne tractor unit features Volvo’s I-Shift Crawler gearbox and Dynamic Steering system and tandem RSS 2610 hub reduction axles with a final drive ratio of 4.55:1.
The company also opted for the Globetrotter XL Cab with twin bunks and a Drive 16++ package, as the vehicle will be regularly double-manned. The tractor unit is also fitted with a Jost heavy duty, sliding fifth wheel and an SB Components comprehensive rear cab module that includes a split fuel and hydraulic tank. Additional light bars and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels complement the Volvo’s Post Office Red paintwork, all of which is finished off with the company’s newly designed livery.
The new Volvo FH16 750, supplied by Kevin Fraser, transport solutions executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, will primarily transport the company’s mobile crushers and screening plant between its seven quarry sites, which are located across the north of Scotland.
With this in mind, the four-axle chassis also features a 10-tonne front axle and a nine-tonne mid-lift pusher axle, which was spec’d to avoid use of jeep dollies with low loader trailers. The new configuration delivers increased manoeuvrability in restricted areas and gives a larger tolerance with axle weights, when compared to Limehillock Quarries’ current three-axle tractor units.
The new tractor was a substantial investment for Limehillock Quarries, according to Richard Murray, owner of the company. “When considering a new heavy haulage truck, we first put out our requirements to every commercial vehicle manufacturer and requested that we have a demonstration vehicle as you cannot buy this type of truck from specification sheets alone,” he said. “However, only Volvo Trucks and one other manufacturer were able to supply demonstrators and the other truck provided for appraisal was only available with a manual gearbox and we felt its engine power output was not quite sufficient for the weights involved.”
Murray added that Volvo’s strong residual factors was also a consideration.
Most of the new FH16-750’s operations are based around Morayshire and working on an own account basis, such as crane ballast transport. The Volvo also hauls Limehillock Quarries’ tipper and step frame trailers, in addition to the firm’s larger Nooteboom low loader.
“The Volvo Dynamic Steering system is already ticking all the boxes our driver and he’s also very impressed with the I-Shift Crawler gearbox’s capabilities, particularly when pulling away loaded on an uphill slope. Despite being capable of 170-tonne operations, physically the truck is easy to drive and there’s no strain on the arms or upper body,” said Murray.
Limehillock Quarries has also taken delivery of an FH-500 6×2. That tag axle tractor unit works with a variety of trailers including the firm’s tipper, flat, curtainside and tank trailers.
The company operates a fleet of more than 20 vehicles including tippers, hook loaders and tractor units. The firm works on projects from major civil engineering projects to garden improvements for domestic customers.
“I’m delighted with the new Volvo truck,” said Murray. “SB Components have also done a fantastic job with the aftermarket parts and I cannot speak highly enough of them. We did the livery in-house, it’s bit different from our usual design, but the flagship FH16-750’s arrival seemed the ideal time to modernise.”
