The trucks join a 24/7 operation collecting recyclable and waste materials from across the Midlands, with one truck specifically dedicated to a contract working with North Warwickshire Borough Council.
James Baxter, managing director, Baxters Haulage, said: “We’ve been running a biomethane-powered Volvo FM since 2019 and it’s proved to be a reliable and effective part of the fleet. That experience is what gave us the confidence to bring these new tractor units into the business.”
The FMs are fuelled with bio-LNG (liquified natural gas) and benefit from Volvo’s unique approach to gas engine technology, using small amounts of diesel to initiate ignition of the air-fuel mixture. This enables the Volvo G13C engine to deliver the same 460hp and 2,300Nm of torque as a standard 460 hp diesel truck, with matching driveability, reliability and service intervals.
The trucks each feature a 12-speed I-Shift transmission – which delivers perfectly-timed gear changes in a fraction of a second – plus I-See predictive cruise control, allowing the driver to tackle hills and gradients in a higher gear, saving fuel without losing speed.
Baxters Haulage has opted for Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS) to further boost efficiency by replacing traditional exterior mirrors. The CMS also increases the driver’s field of view and, when driving with a trailer, deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns.
Globetrotter cabs have been decked out with creature comforts, including leather upholstery, a heated and suspended driver’s seat with dual armrests, a 28-litre fridge and automatic climate control.
