Four new Volvo FMX tippers for O’Gara
Swedish manufacturer chosen due to the FMX’s proven reliability, comfort and performance
MANCHESTER-based O’Gara have added four new Volvo FMX 420 8x4 rigid tippers to their fleet. The business – which specializes in demolition, muck-away and the supply of aggregates and soils – opted for the Swedish manufacturer due to the FMX’s proven reliability, comfort and driving performance.
Supplied by Paul McNicholas, customer solutions manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, two of the FMXs arrive as additions to the customer’s fleet, with two replacing trucks supplied by a rival manufacturer.
Peter Schofield, transport manager at O’Gara, said: ‘Our fleet is roughly 40% Volvo, so we’re well accustomed to the drive and feel their products bring to the table. These new trucks have only been on the road a few weeks, but our drivers are already singing their praises, particularly regarding the more spacious cabs and responsive steering.’
The new rigids – mounted with tipper bodies from Marshalls – are powered by Euro-6 compliant Step E diesel engines, producing 420hp and a peak torque of 2,100Nm. This is driven via a 12-speed automated I-Shift gearbox, which constantly evaluates information regarding speed, weight, road grade and torque demand to apply precision to every gear shift.
Key to Volvo winning the business was the FMX’s strong reputation for confidently handling the toughest conditions and most demanding assignments. While the standard model is designed to deliver a superior combination of agility, visibility and durability to keep the driver safe and comfortable, O’Gara have also opted for Volvo’s X-High chassis to unlock additional ground clearance.
‘Our day-to-day workload requires a lot of tough off-roading – a typical quarry track is a luxury for our fleet. So, we have extremely high standards with regards to our vehicle needs,’ added Mr Schofield.
‘The early indications are that the new Volvo FMXs have been worth every penny. Their off- road performance is a step above what we’ve seen on previous tippers, while the competitive price and product availability were hugely welcomed benefits too.’
The FMX day cabs feature a heated and suspended driver’s seat to ensure a comfortable driving environment. Meanwhile, visibility is improved through electrically heated and operated main and wide-angle mirrors, and headlamps which automatically adjust to ambient light conditions.
All four Volvo FMXs are backed by a four-year Volvo Blue Contract, covering the necessary preventative maintenance required to keep O’Gara’s new arrivals in peak condition. The new tippers are expected to remain on the fleet for at least five years, covering approximately 80,000km annually working Monday to Friday, tasked predominately with muck-away work.
