Volvo trucks better by design for D Morgan
Company expands fleet with 32 new vehicles, all equipped with an array of safety features
CHESHIRE-based D Morgan plc have added 32 new Volvo trucks to their fleet, all of which benefit from a number of new design innovations and accident-prevention features that demonstrate the company’s commitment to both FORS and CLOCS, whilst ensuring future compliance with Direct Vision Standards and Clean Air Zones.
Supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd, the new Volvo trucks consist of 31 FMX 8x4 rigids and one FH16 650 double-drive tractor unit.
All the FMXs feature a 410hp Volvo D11K Euro 6 engine and I-Shift gearbox. Completing the powertrain are single-reduction tandem 23-tonne drive axles with differential and cross locks. To reduce site dust levels, the extra-high chassis are fitted with horizontal-mounted diesel particulate filters and vertical SCR exhaust silencers.
‘We chose to expand our fleet with Volvo trucks after conducting extensive trials and getting great feedback from multiple drivers. The strength of the local dealership, fuel economy and anticipated residual values were also attractive,’ commented transport manager Dale Anderton.
All the FMX chassis come with a new design of tipper body, manufactured by Boweld, to suit D Morgan’s exacting requirements. ‘Our new Boweld bodies have an extremely clean profile and no horizontal surfaces, which prevents the gathering of excess spoil,’ explained D Morgan’s fleet engineering director, Dave Dulohery.
He added: ‘The body’s side panels are constructed from ribbed 3mm Hardox steel for increased strength, with a tapered design which encourages clean expulsion of material, whilst the letter M-embossed into the rear tailgate is not purely decorative – it also gives the panel extra rigidity.’
The new Boweld body is also designed to maximize payload figures and the sloping rear tailgate doors come with automatic locking devices.
Dale Anderton said: ‘We’re taking the FMX’s in staggered deliveries to ensure no disruption to our customer schedules. The vehicles now in service are performing well and have been very well received by our drivers.’
Safety is a top priority at D Morgan and the FMX tippers come with a comprehensive array of features designed to protect vulnerable road users.
All the FMX trucks are specified with Volvo’s factory-fitted lower passenger door glazing that increases direct vision levels for the driver. Also, in addition to data from the FMX’s Weighmaster on-board weighing system, images from a five-point and left-turn camera system all feed into the in-cab monitor, thus minimizing driver distraction levels.
Adding to the specification are Sidescan cycle safety systems and reversing alarms, whilst bespoke side-protection guards feature 10 different themed designs paying tribute to the local areas and sectors the vehicles operate in. ‘Our themed side-protection guards are really eye-catching, and we are already receiving positive comments about them,’ said Mr Anderton.
Joining the FMXs, the sole Volvo FH16 650 6x4 tractor is plated for 150 tonnes maximum weight operation. This flagship vehicle moves D Morgan’s plant equipment across the UK and comes with a Globetrotter XL cab on a 3.4m wheelbase.
Powered by a Volvo D16K engine that produces 650hp, the powertrain also features an I-Shift automated gearbox and T-Ride hub-reduction tandem 32-tonne axles with a ratio of 3.76:1.
Ordered with a Jost JSK38C cast-iron fixed fifth wheel, the new FH16 650 hauls a four-axle Nooteboom step-frame trailer.
