Volvo tippers head for Oxford

The latest arrivals – which directly replace competitor models in the fleet – consist of three FMX 420 8x4 and two FMX 330 6x4 trucks, all fitted with Charlton SuperLite bodywork.

Paul Needle, fleet manager, Smith and Sons, said: “We opted for Volvo two years ago due to its reputation for reliability and driving performance. Not only has the FMX delivered on those promises, but it has also yielded impressive fuel efficiency. Those metrics were all key in us placing this latest order.

“Compared to other manufacturers we’ve run on the fleet, the FMX achieves a notable improvement in fuel efficiency and therefore delivers a significant cost saving for the business. Once these new models have had time to bed in properly, we’ve no doubt they’ll perform just as well.”

The new vehicles will deliver sand, gravel and stone to customer sites daily, with the trucks working out of the business’ various quarries in Oxfordshire. All five new trucks feature a Euro-6 compliant Step E engine, with the 8x4s’ D13K powertrains each producing 420 hp and a peak torque of 2,100 Nm compared to the 6x4s’ D11K engines which generate 330hp and 1,600Nm.

The FMX day cabs feature a heated and suspended driver’s seat with dual armrests, plus a Media package with navigation to add a 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster with a secondary colour display and DAB radio. Safety is boosted through Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency braking and Side Collision Avoidance Support systems, while visibility is aided through electrically heated and operated mirrors and headlights, which adapt automatically according to ambient light conditions.

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