Ten new Volvo trucks for Longcliffe Quarries

Leading independent calcium carbonates supplier takes delivery of eight FH 6x2 tractors and two FM 8x4 rigids

DERBYSHIRE-based Longcliffe Quarries, the UK’s leading independent suppliers of high-purity calcium carbonates, have taken delivery of 10 new Volvo trucks, with their order consisting of eight FH 6x2 tractor units and two FM 8x4 rigids. 

The firm specified the FH tractor units with Globetrotter cabs, each built with rear air-suspension and a lightweight fixed pusher axle on 17.5in wheels, helping to maximize payload potential. Also contributing to the vehicle’s low tare weight are brushed aluminium rims, aluminium fuel and air tanks and an aluminium trailer connection arch mounted behind the cab. 

They are joined in service by two new FM rigids in a matching two-tone white and blue livery, with tipper bodywork from Swadlincote Aluminium & Welding. 

Supplied by Hartshorne Motor Services, the new trucks will deliver the company’s products around the UK – the FHs pulling bulk powder tankers, while the 8x4 tippers will carry aggregates. 

‘Companies need to take a longer-term view to a more sustainable future,’ said James Hopkinson, transport manager at Longcliffe Quarries. ‘Coupled with our new state-of-the-art washing plant and wind turbines, we are clearly demonstrating that we take our environmental responsibilities very seriously and that is why we are committed to delivering a less-carbon intensive transport fleet.

‘We’ve had very positive feedback on the Volvos; we placed the order after being really impressed with how the FH demonstrator performed. We already knew about Volvo’s reputation for reliability, which is a major factor in our kind of work.’ 

The 6x2 FHs are powered by Volvo’s latest Euro-6, Step D, 13-litre diesel engine which delivers 500hp and 2,500Nm of torque, while the 8x4 rigids generate 420hp and 2,100Nm of torque. The FHs also benefit from Volvo’s long-haul fuel package, which combines latest-generation technologies to deliver the best fuel efficiency on every journey – keeping emissions to a minimum. 

All of the new trucks have been specified with four-way cameras for added safety, along with a tyre pressure monitoring system to proactively notify the driver should any tyres be operating above or below optimum inflation pressures. 

To maximize driver comfort, the tractor units also feature Volvo’s Drive+ and Living1 packages, which includes an under-bunk fridge/freezer. 

‘Our driver’s do a lot of long-haul work and can often be away overnight, so comfort is also important,’ said Mr Hopkinson. ‘The Adaptive Cruise Control is also very popular; it makes the use of cruise control much easier – again giving our drivers less to worry about and more peace of mind.’ 

Joining Longcliffe Quarries’ fleet of 41 commercial vehicles, the new Volvos will be in service for five years and are expected to cover approximately 100,000km per year, working up to six days a week. They will also contribute to Longcliffe’s ongoing efficiency goals, as well as to their objective of reaching zero-carbon quarrying operations by 2027.