Five new Volvo FMX tippers for Patersons Quarries

Drivers report noticeable improvement in fuel consumption and big difference in cab comfort levels

IN addition to a useful payload of around 20 tonnes each trip, Volvo’s rugged FMX model is also delivering new levels of comfort for Scottish quarry operators Patersons Quarries Ltd.

Five new Volvo FMX 8x4 tippers were delivered to the company’s Rigside depot, in South Lanarkshire, in late April and transport manager Gordon Carlton was immediately on the receiving end of some positive staff feedback.

‘We took drivers off our other-make tippers, all of which were registered during 2015. Within the first few days of operation, reaction to the new FMXs was amazing. All were reporting a noticeable improvement in fuel consumption levels, with a truck straight out of the box, and a big difference in cab comfort, said Mr Carlton.

‘Some have noticed how relaxed the driving experience is with Volvo’s I-Shift automated gearbox and others are sensing reduced levels of tiredness after a full day shift, meaning they go home feeling more refreshed and ready for family life. With the current nationwide shortages of experienced professionals, happy drivers are good news to me.’

Supplied by Rhona Paterson at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, Glasgow West, together with full R&M packages, the five FMX tippers were specified with Day cabs over Volvo’s 11-litre D11K370 diesel engine, which produces a maximum of 370hp between 1,600 and 1,900 rev/min.

Mr Carlton reports the power plant as being well on top of Patersons Quarries’ 32-tonne tipper operations across central Scotland and northern England. He also expects the already excellent fuel returns to improve further as the trucks bed in.

The 12-speed I-Shift gearboxes come with Volvo’s Distribution and Construction software packages, whilst for off-road quarry work Mr Carlton opted for X-High B-Ride suspension and straight front axles. The FMX’s generous ground clearance is also complemented by a high-mounted 330-litre fuel tank.

Patersons Quarries fitted Weightlifter alloy tipper bodies to the five new FMXs, giving a kerbside weight of around 12.1 tonnes. These feature high sides and three-point contact, and access steps for safety, whilst Hyva hydraulics and a Dawbarn automatic sheeting system complete the load-carrying specifications.

In addition, Volvo reversing camera and Smart Witness front facing/vehicle perimeter camera system were included as part of the company’s standard safety features.