News

Volvo has notched-up a trio of orders in three notoriously demanding sectors of the market. Cumbrian livestock haulage specialist RI Stamper has just taken delivery of a pair of FH-480 6x2 tractors. The Kirkbride, Wigton-based operator says the I-Shift-equipped vehicles provide a smoother ride for the animals it transports.

Managing director John Stamper says: "The I-Shift 'box is very livestock-friendly. You have to drive very cautiously with animals on board, but the gear changes are  so smooth that you hardly move them around at all. You cause them a lot less stress like this." Stamper also praises the manual setting on the I-Shift transmission that it uses for manoeuvring in farmyards. "We were worried about the auto 'box in those situations to start with, but our fears haven't been realised," he adds.

He also singles out the support from local Carlisle-based dealer Volvo Truck and Bus North staff from the dealership made repeated follow-up visits to the firm to ensure drivers were getting the best fuel returns possible. The two Volvos will replace two Dafs in a 15-strong fleet, with another two due for delivery next year.

Meanwhile, C Winfield Plant Services of Staffordshire has taken on a Volvo FH-500 6x4 Globetrotter tractor to add to its 14-strong fleet. Plated at 100 tonnes GCW and coupled to a four-axle Faymonville step-frame trailer, the outfit operates at 80 tonnes gross for STGO Cat 2 duties.

Winfield transport manager Chris Nott says:  "From my point of view, the best feature of the truck is the build quality and from the drivers' point of view it's the cab environment - it's a nice place to be."

Also adding a Volvo to its fleet is Joseph Merritt Group, which has just taken delivery of an FH-520 6x2 tag-axle tractor as part of its industrial equipment installation and relocation transport business.