New Volvo FL sweeper for ISM Waste

Family firm replaces 18-year-old FL6 sweeper with brand-new FL250 with Johnston sweeper body

BURY-based ISM Waste have taken delivery of a new Volvo FL road sweeper to keep their waste-transfer facility, yard and adjoining local roads clean and tidy.

The new 16-tonne sweeper, which has been introduced ahead of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone going live in Spring 2022, replaces a Volvo FL6 which has been in service with the family firm since 2003.

Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials, the left-hand drive FL250 4x2 has been mounted with a Johnston VT652 sweeper body, complete with overhead wander hose for gully sucking.

It also features a Supawash high-pressure washing system with hand lance and high-pressure spray bar, together with Johnston’s automatic lubrication system to keep things running smoothly.

John Allen, managing director of ISM Waste, said: ‘We are committed to running a tidy operation – a lot of effort goes in to keeping the fleet pristine; plus having our own sweeper on hand really helps to keep the place looking smart too.

‘We also send the FL out at least once a week to sweep the road we’re based on – it’s all part of being a good neighbour.’

Commenting on his loyalty to the Volvo Trucks brand, he added: ‘Volvo are brilliant; the trucks are well built, driver acceptance is unrivalled and we get great after-sales support from Thomas Hardie Commercials. Between the manufacturer and the dealer, they literally do everything we ask of them. It’s an incredibly strong package.’

ISM Waste operate 17 trucks, including 16 Volvos, and take all new vehicles on a five-year Volvo Gold Contract, which sees repair and maintenance carried out by the local dealer in Trafford Park.

The new 16-tonne FL sweeper has been specified with Volvo’s D8K Euro-6 diesel engine, which can produce up to 250hp and 950Nm of torque, driven through a nine-speed manual gearbox which provides accurate operator control when road sweeping at slow speeds.

‘It’s a fantastic driveline,’ said Mr Allen. ‘The larger 7.7-litre engine provides great low-speed handling and first-class power, in a package which is small, very agile and highly dependable.’

In addition to handling on-site work for ISM Waste, the new sweeper will carry out local hire work approximately two to three days a week. It is expected to cover around 15,000km per annum.