Prolific praise for high-spec Volvo FM tipper
April Forder showers approval on new pink tipper truck in support of breast cancer awareness
APRIL Forder of AR & PA Transport is ‘in the pink’ after taking delivery of one of the most striking and highly specified Volvo FM 8x4 tippers currently operating in the UK.
The truck, supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia, in Norwich, features an eye-catching and well-finished wrap in aid of raising awareness of breast cancer.
‘My nan had breast cancer twice and both my grandfather and sister have suffered from Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer,’ explained Ms Forder.
‘I wanted to give something back after all the treatment and support my family has received, and I thought using my new Volvo FM as a giant billboard for breast cancer awareness and fund raising would be highly unusual and, therefore, particularly effective.’
The truck, which is fitted with a Wilcox Wilcolite insulated tipper body and Edbro ram, is being shared by April and her father Adrian, and is already hauling sand and gravel across East Anglia for use in the production of asphalt.
‘I generally drive for three days and dad does the other two,’ said Ms Forder. ‘I will also use this truck for visits to schools throughout the region, where I support the cycle awareness scheme. Last year alone, I visited 25 schools highlighting how we can all use the roads together with safety as our common goal.’
To this end, the new Volvo FM 8x4 rigid with sleeper cab is literally bristling with safety features, including: an overhead cable detector; a Brigade five-camera system; left-turn audible alert; and seven close-proximity sensors positioned along the full length of the nearside.
The truck also features Volvo’s lane-departure and forward-collision warning systems, as well as a handbrake that engages automatically the moment the driver’s door is opened.
‘I specified this truck with safety as the number one priority,’ said Ms Forder. ‘It is both CLOCS and Crossrail-compliant, and while I’m currently FORS Bronze accredited, I am aiming for Silver later this year.’
Inside, the truck has a single bunk and full Internet connectivity, thanks to its Volvo multi-media package. There is also integrated sat nav, full leather upholstery, including the steering wheel, and an electrically heated air-suspended driver’s seat. Moreover, Volvo Dynamic Steering aids the driving experience.
‘The steering is incredible,’ said Ms Forder. ‘My first truck was a 2013 Volvo FM tipper, and after a break I am delighted to be back in a truck with the ‘ironmark’ on the grille.
‘The lightness of the dynamic steering, the instant response of the 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission and the overall build quality and look of this Volvo absolutely set it apart. I’ve tried other trucks, but I simply don’t think you can beat a Volvo.’
Externally, and to complement the wrap – which was sponsored by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia and fitted by Chapple Signs of Stowmarket – the wing mirrors are fitted with stainless steel guards and the wheels have been upgraded to Alcoa brushed aluminium.
Additional lighting and strobes are courtesy of a lower grille bar with four spotlights and LEDs and an upper grille bar with LEDs, both supplied by Lightfix.
‘My first impression of this truck was wow!’ said Ms Forder. ‘It looked even better than I’d envisaged and it performs like nothing I’ve ever driven before. With 450hp and construction software controlling the I-Shift transmission, this really is a productive truck and the Volvo Dynamic Steering takes the incredible to somewhere in the region of extraordinary.’
