That Agent Reg--he's only gone and done it again! Just when Biglorryblog was wondering what the idle slacker was up to he sends me this excellent picture--and equally good story about the remarkable coincidence of anniversaries, in which tipper operator A.E. Gough and Sons of Llandrindod Wells, Mid-Wales---which was founded 81 years ago in 1927---has taken delivery of a Volvo FH 80th Anniversary Limited Edition truck. Coincidence or what? But what really rings BLB's bell is that Derek Gough, a senior partner in the family-owned business also celebrated his 80th birthday in March this year. Well done Derek is what I say. Old tippermen just go on from strength to strength!
According to Derek, the Euro 5 compliant FH Anniversary truck, which was supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Wales and West, is equipped with Volvo's collision warning system. When it's switched on, if the truck gets too close to the vehicle in front, the brakes are applied. Additionally, if the driver pulls out and crosses the 'white line' without indicating, an audible noise is heard. If the driver continues, the brakes come on. These active safety features are designed to reduce the incidences of drivers falling asleep.
Agent Reg also tells me that A.E Gough are also fans of Volvo's class-leading I-Shift automated gearbox. "It makes for easier driving, better fuel consumption and you can put any driver into it, any time," says Derek, adding that the combination of the FH's torquey 520hp D13 engine and the I-Shift transmission is ideal for the company's bulk tipper operation.
Derek has been involved with the business since he was 17. He started driving for his father at the end of the Second World War, working with him to become a Partner with his brother in the business in 1967. Since then, his sons Michael and Simon have become actively involved in the business, becoming joint partners in 1994. Derek still drives...though says: " but not on long journeys any more! Quite often, I'll take trucks in for servicing, ministry checks or for loading up in the quarry on a Saturday morning. In fact, I've just had my HGV licence and medical renewed. On some return trips, if drivers get close to their tacho' hours ceiling, I'll go out and fetch them home to keep them legal".
Meanwhile the picture above shows left-to-right Simon, Derek and Michael Gough with their proud beauty behind them
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