Last one for today Biglorryblog fans....Ashley 'The Malteaser' sent me this picture with no caption or explanation. Obviously it's a Volvo but F88 or 89? And I can't say I've ever heard of Magnaload. So who can tell me anything about this truck and what it did. And does Magnaload still exist? Sounds like a job for Bob Tuck!
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Biglorryblog editor Brian Weatherley is the UK jury member for the International Truck of the Year award
This page contains a single entry by BigLorryBlog published on December 15, 2008 5:47 PM.
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I believe that Magnaload was a predecessor of Mammoet-Econofreight operating this Volvo and as far as I remember an old English China Clays Scammell but Bob Tuck would know far more.
this truck is an f89.magnaload were a company only active in the late 70's and both of their 89's were activley used on all manner of heavy haulage duties,or so the excellent book "mamoth trucks" tells me.written by that north east truck guru bob tuck.
Well, I’ve waited for three days for ‘young Bob’ to post but perhaps he is on holiday or shovelling snow again off his drive!
Hi Brian,
Magnaload was a consortium firm between Peckston the shippers and Mammoet B.V. of Amsterdam.
Peckstons went out of business in 1980 hence the name vanished, but the HH side transformed into Mammoet /Econofreight.
This Volvo is a bit of a mystery, though.
Bob only mentions two Magnaload F89 tractors, NPY 489P, the first one and RAJ 530 R, the second one.
However, this one is suspect in a few ways, one, it is not mentioned in Magnaload fleet, and second, it is carrying a Tynemouth plate from around the correct year, (why Tynemouth?).
Is it another F89 recreated in Magnaload colours for an enthusiast-ic effect?
No criticism of this, just difficult to place.
These Volvo’s appear to have had a fine reputation in their day.
How do I know all this, basically, Mr Bob ‘expert’ Tuck and his fine book ‘Mountain Movers’, a book I have had since 1984 and never really read properly.
I am now!
It is, very, very interesting.
Bob, seeing your 'out of print' books going for amazing money on Amazon/Ebay, I think now is the time for a double/triple reprint, amalgamating all three into one and charging out at £35. Have the pictures re-scanned with modern day technology, print on glossy paper, and you will sell it.
It will give you a good pension for all your efforts and dedication to heavy haulage and road transport!!!
You now have a host of enthusiastic friends on Big Lorry Blog!
All the best to all,
Have a great Christmas and New Year despite all the gloom and doom.
Mike and Julie.
The Magnaload Volvo F88/9 normally resides at Fromes Hill Commercials between Hereford and Worcester.
The "ballast box" body dismantles quickly and easily to reveal a Fifth Wheel.It is then able to tow a low loading trailer which carries its owners fully operational Russian T34 Tank,which is transported to various Rallies.
The Magnaload sign writing could be so called poetic licence.A photo of the complete outfit can be supplied.
I hope this information helps,regards,Pete.
Hi i worked for magnalod in 1970/1980we had 2f89 330hp and a 10 ton winch allso a scammle and a FTF i hope this gets out as this is the first time i have used a lap top JOHN smith drove the one in the photo until he was made up to road foremam john was a ex para and a good friend of all who worked with him well that will do for now from LEN
well well i shoud have looked at the REGno yes its a veteran volvo but must be recreated. ? magnload was a consortium between peckston/mammoet and went on to be mammoet/econofreight itwas NPY489P that john smith had from new so come on some one out there put the job right for us. I will dig some photos out and info if thats ok. thats it for now. happy new year to you all. LENNY.
I AM LOOKING FOR SEVERAL BITS TO COMPLETE MY 1976 VOLVO F88 RESTORATION, BUMPER, FUEL TANK ETC ETC THANKS
The story mentioned in the comments is correct. Magnaload was supposed to be Mammoet Uk or Mammoth but this was not allowed because there was already one (or more) companies with a similar name.
The Mammoth on the side of this Volvo F89 is in the wrong way. The Mammoth (elephat ) should always look forward. If the owner wants I can supplu him with the right Mammoeth sticker at very low cost (a drive in the truck will do)
Nice site by the way.
i used to own this truck, it was a wrecker when i had it.
it`s an f89
Hi! Im the owner of the Volvo f89 in photo.I restored it about 6 or 7 years ago from a total rust bucket.Making all the new panels myself.I copied the magnaload livery because I liked it.But I do believe she originated from Parsons transformers from Newcastle upon Tyne.And was only used on dockside and internal works.She was green originally.If anyone knows more please let me know.I hope this helps.Steve.