First Volvo for Russell Stone Merchants
New crane-equipped 4x2 FL rigid goes into service delivering stone across the north of England
BRADFORD-based Russell Stone Merchants have taken delivery of their first ever Volvo truck, replacing a rival manufacturer’s vehicle with a new crane-equipped 4x2 Volvo FL rigid.
The 18-tonne vehicle has gone into service to help the firm keep up with growing demand in the busy building trade.
‘We had our old truck for 12 years and it never let us down, but there’s no doubt this is a step up,’ said Paul Jackson, technical director at Russell Stone Merchants. ‘As it’s our only truck, it was absolutely vital we got the decision right.
‘We looked closely at four different manufacturers and did our research. The overriding feedback was that Volvo was the best product and could give us the mileage and payload we needed to do the job.’
Supplied by Jason Robinson, area sales manager at Crossroads Truck and Bus, the FL is powered by Volvo’s D8K engine, producing 250hp and 950Nm of torque. It features a six-speed I-Sync automated transmission, and steel suspension.
The truck’s cab benefits from the Drive Package – including air-conditioning, cruise control and an electric roof hatch – for an enhanced driver workspace, as well as roof-mounted amber beacons.
It has been fitted with lightweight dropside bodywork by Micra Truck Bodies, plus an Atlas 105.2 crane to allow the company to easily load and deliver stone supplies to construction sites.
‘We go up as far as Berwick maybe once every couple of weeks, but the majority of the work is closer to home,’ said Mr Jackson. ‘Business is very busy at the moment and most days the truck will go out at its full capacity.
‘We put the crane on the back of the truck, which gives us a bit more length to get the pallets on, and we specified a lightweight body, to maximize payload potential.’
The FL is covered by a Volvo Gold Contract repair and maintenance agreement, which guarantees the best possible uptime, with servicing being carried out at Crossroads Truck and Bus’ Birstall depot.
‘The service we got from Jason and the team at Crossroads was second to none,’ added Mr Jackson. ‘The driver absolutely loves the truck. It’s looking like an excellent choice so far and in the long run we’re confident the investment will prove great value for money.’
Established in the early 1970s, Russell Stone Merchants supply and deliver all types of high- quality stone to house developers, builders and builders’ merchants.
