Smiths (Gloucester) bolster fleet with new Volvo FH tractor units

Waste-management firm rolls out new livery on four newly purchased Volvo FH trucks

SMITHS (Gloucester) Ltd have rolled out a striking new livery on four new high-specification FH tractor units. The Globetrotter-cabbed FH tractor units – which are powered by the latest Euro-6 compliant D13K engine (rated at 500hp) – are the first new Volvo trucks to go into service with the company.

The new livery was designed to suit the curving lines of the new-series FH and features a swooping diagonal line across the cab’s lower half. According to Alan Smith, founder and managing director of Smiths (Gloucester), Volvo offer a ‘multi-layered’ service to their valued customers in what has become a fast moving industry, and he felt that the time was right to upgrade his waste-management transport fleet.

The Volvo FH order comprises two 6x2 pusher-axle models and two 6x4 double-drive configuration trucks. While all four units are plated for 44-tonne gcw operation, the 6x4 models feature 120 cubic yard-capacity Titan ‘walking floor’ trailers.

‘The high-spec 6x4 trucks are engaged in a variety of bulk waste operations,’ said Mr Smith. ‘Payload is very important to us and our customers, and the FH 6x4 units with Titan trailers have achieved this in the region of 26 tonnes.’  

The FH 6x2 trucks have been coupled with locally manufactured Rothdean bulk tipping trailers, which are used for the transportation of recyclable materials including aggregates.

The new Volvo tractor units were supplied by Truck and Bus Wales & West, who will also service the trucks under a Volvo repair and maintenance contract.