Longthorne of Hebden upgrade haulage fleet
Company takes delivery of three new Volvo FH 6x2 tractor units and two FM 8x4 rigid trucks
NORTH Yorkshire-based Longthorne of Hebden have strengthened their haulage fleet with the addition of three new Volvo FH 6x2 tractor units and two FM 8x4 rigid trucks from Crossroads Truck and Bus. The new trucks are currently at work on the aggregate and asphalt sides of the family-owned business.
Mark Longthorne, the youngest of three Longthorne brothers (Jonathan and Gordon being his older siblings) and manager of the company, said: ‘Our relationship with Volvo and the Crossroads dealership dates back to the 1960s when our father, Ken, first took delivery of a Volvo F86.
‘Throughout the years, the support and level of service we’ve received from Crossroads and Volvo has been second to none. Whenever we buy new trucks we always do so in conjunction with our drivers as they’re the ones that will be in them each day. Volvo is always their first choice.’
The three new Volvo FH tractor units are powered by the 13-litre D13K engine, producing 540hp and up to 2,600Nm of torque. For improved fuel economy and superior off-road driveability, Longthorne have specified I-Shift automated gearboxes with enhanced I-Shift software on the trucks. They also feature low-maintenance Jost fifth wheels incorporating composite wear pads, which eliminates the need for greasing.
Along with the Volvo FH tractor units, Longthorne have taken delivery of three Wilcox plank-sided aggregate tipping trailers, equipped with PM on-board weighing systems and Dawbarn hydroclear, electro-hydraulically operated roll-over sheeting units.
The FH trucks are also equipped with the Volvo Drive Plus cab package, which comprises a leather steering wheel, a leather upholstered armrest, electrically controlled air-conditioning, electrically heated and operated main mirror and near-side and off-side wide-angle mirrors.
A Volvo Living ‘single bed ‘package has also been specified on the 6x2 tractors and includes a luxury sleeper control panel, a 1.8kW air-to-air night heater and a high-power audio system with integrated Bluetooth phone and USB connectivity.
The two Volvo FM 8x4 tippers are powered by the D13K 12.8-litre engine, delivering 460hp and up to 2,300Nm of torque. The trucks are equipped with Day cabs and Volvo engine brakes which provide up to 375kW of retardation. The bodies, one for aggregate applications and the other insulated for the transportation of asphalt, were supplied by AJ Heyton.
