Well it's about time! I was wondering where that slack-jawed, concave-shinned idler Agent Reg had got to - and just in time he returns to Biglorryblog with new of this superb FH wrecker. Lucky for him otherwise we'd have had 'words'! Anyroadup I learn that High Wycombe's Saunders Recovery has taken delivery of one of the largest Volvo recovery vehicles ever seen on UK roads. And what a stonker too!
The FH-520 10x4 rigid (it's got an added fifth axle) sports and a wide range of specialist kit including a rotating crane and an under-reach unit. The chassis was supplied by Volvo Dealer, Hartshorne Potteries, while the bodywork and equipment were installed by Boniface Engineering. "I believe it's the biggest Volvo recovery vehicle built," owner John Saunders tells me, when describing of his new flagship. Now click through here for more!
The basic truck is an FH-520 with a 13-litre Euro-5 engine driving a manual 14-speed splitter gearbox. Its T-ride suspension and hub reduction drive axles have been particularly specified for LGV recovery work while its 'Prestige'-trim Globetrotter cab offers excellent driver comfort.
I understand that Volvo's have always been John's first choice. "We've always used Volvo for the heavy stuff," he says. "They're good trucks and we have quite a few on the fleet. They're hard-working, well-built and very reliable indeed."
The finished truck - in its distinctive bright yellow livery - is plated at 150 tonnes GTW, meaning it can tow a 110-tonne mobile crane. Its Miller 75-tonne rotating crane features five winches - four on its triple-extending boom and one as a drag winch. "The Highways Agency wants the roads cleared fast," John adds, "so with this we can right an overturned container artic' without having to wait for a second vehicle." Boniface also fitted the fifth axle.
In addition to hydraulic outriggers, the FH-520 has a full complement of working lights, light bars and chain lockers. Its Maxi-Reach slimline under-reach also ensures damage free under-floor lift and there's even a walk-in workshop behind the cab, fully stocked with tools, straps and cutting gear for rescue work. The truck is currently deployed on the M25 widening works between Heathrow and Dartford Cross on contract for Balfour Beatty, where it provides free LGV recovery. Well should te mighty Multipla ever throw a hisy fit in the roadworks I'll expect to be recovered by nothing less than the new Saunders Volvo wrecker!
Just a quick correction, Saunders are from Stotfold near Baldock not High Wycombe.