Double debut for Volvo six-wheeler

Devonian haulage firm takes delivery of both its and the county’s first Volvo FMX tipper

FACED with ever-increasing costs, RJ Hill (Haulage) Ltd, based at Broadleaze in Broadhembury, near Honiton, Devon, decided it was time for a change and recently acquired their first-ever Volvo FMX six-wheel tipper – the first of its type to enter service in the West Country.

Specializing in the movement of aggregates and subsoil within a 30-mile radius of their home base, family-owned RJ Hill operate nine other high-quality tipper vehicles but were attracted to the Volvo by its superior ground clearance and the expectation of reduced fuel costs.

‘We were impressed by the appearance and build quality of this particular Volvo,’ said managing director Paul Hill. ‘We pride ourselves in being able to deliver a fast and flexible service to our customers, many of whom have come to rely on our same-day delivery.

‘The new Volvo will undoubtedly allow us to maintain our service levels, and the vehicle exudes quality which will be noticed by our customers. The purchase of this vehicle will certainly benefit our operation.’

Powered by Volvo’s D11C 370hp engine driving through a Volvo two-pedal, fully-automated I-Shift gearbox, the FMX is equipped with a Charlton ‘Super-Lite’ body and Edbro CX-13 front-mounted tipping ram.

The truck is painted in RJ Hill’s distinctive silver and red livery and the body fitted with a matching red load cover sheet.

Driver reaction to the new Volvo has been good, according to Paul Hill, who feels that the automated gearbox will contribute towards reduced fuel consumption as well as simplifying the driving operation.

The vehicle was supplied by Truck and Bus Wales and West and will be serviced by Stuarts Commercials of Exeter.