
Joining a fleet of 40 trucks, McGuinness Haulage has chosen the Volvo FH 500 with ISave 6x2 tractor units to replace six of its older vehicles. Supplied by Anthony Walsh, customer solutions manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the vehicles were taken on to help McGuinness Haulage minimise its fuel consumption. The vehicles will be put to work on bulk animal feed and grain tipper jobs throughout the UK.
Anthony McGuinness, transport manager at McGuinness Haulage, said: “Reducing our company’s carbon footprint is a key component of our business plan, so we’re delighted to welcome these new Volvo FH with I-Save tractor units. Through the technology on board we can continue to push the envelope on fuel economy, helping boost our bottom line while lowering our overall emissions.”
The trucks are specified with Globetrotter XL cabs and equipped with D13TC Euro-6 Step E engines, capable of 500 hp and 2,800 Nm of torque. Turbo-compounding technology allows the vehicle to stay at lower revs and a higher gear for longer, leading to increased fuel economy. Volvo’s predictive cruise control I-See combined with a 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox can anticipate the road ahead and adjust speed to optimise fuel efficiency. Roof and cab side air deflectors also contribute to improved fuel consumption.
Reporting on fuel efficiency results so far, McGuinness said: “We’ve not had time to bed them in properly yet and they’ve been doing shorter runs than they typically would but, even still, the figures we’re seeing already are very promising. It is very exciting to think about when you remember there is still undoubtedly more fuel economy to come.”
Inside, McGuinness Haulage opted for the Drive++ package which adds leather upholstery, armrests, an adjustable steering wheel and a 33-litre fridge. McGuinness added a microwave, coffee maker and Volvo’s media package with navigation, DAB radio and a 12-inch instrument cluster with an extra colour information display. The FHs have front and rear cab air suspension and the drivers get heated suspended seats.
McGuinness Haulage has a hire purchase agreement for the six vehicles which are expected to travel 140,000km annually. They are covered by a four-year Volvo Gold Contract for preventative maintenance, repairs and real time monitoring.
McGuinness added: “The relationship we have with the Thomas Hardie team is very strong. They always deliver a prompt and flexible service, regularly going above and beyond to make absolutely sure all our Volvos are fulfilling their potential.”