Volvo FH Tridem paves the way at Tarmac
Contract haulier takes delivery of first Volvo 8x4 FH Tridem to join Tarmac transport fleet
SIMON Irwin, a Bedford-based contract haulier for Tarmac, has taken delivery of a Volvo FH 8x4 Tridem tipper from Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London’s Milton Keynes Dealerpoint. It is his first Volvo and the first FH Tridem to join the Tarmac fleet.
Mr Irwin says he has already noticed significant safety advantages with the Volvo FH 8x4 Tridem configuration. ‘You don’t need to swing out so much when cornering, so this truck is definitely safer for cyclists and other vulnerable road users,’ he commented. ‘Another safety feature is the mirrors; they’re incredible. The all-round visibility is second-to-none.’
Moreover, supplementing the FH’s mirrors is a Brigade four-camera system with nearside sensor.
Mr Irwin is also delighted by the performance of the N3 on-road-spec Volvo when operating as part of a paving train. ‘When tipping into the hopper, the rear wheels and air suspension are in ‘locked’ mode, so butting-up to the paving machine is no different to a more traditional 8x4 tipper,’ he explained.
‘The paver’s push roller connects to the rear wheels and pushes the truck along as normal. There have been no issues at all when tipping into the paver and when the PTO is engaged, the air system automatically locks, with air in the bags, to offer total stability for tipping.’
According to Mr Irwin, flexibility was the fundamental differentiator in his decision to invest in a Volvo truck. ‘I wanted a truck that met a very particular set of requirements,’ he said. ‘Volvo, more than any other manufacturer, went the extra mile to help me. They had the vision, production capability and flexibility to meet my needs.’
He added: ‘The Tridem’s manoeuvrability is far superior to any other eight-wheeler out there, which not only helps to improve efficiency, but also reduces tyre wear.’
Mr Iwin’s Volvo FH Tridem is equipped with a Wilcox Wilcolite aluminium body featuring Edbro tipping gear. The Wilcolite body has insulated floor and sides and is equipped with a cab-operated Dawbarn ‘Wraptor-2’ side-to-side sheeting system.
