Orica UK has taken delivery of four Volvo FMX 460 6x4 rigids. Supplied by Paul McNicholas, customer solutions manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the trucks are fitted with MEMU mixing tank bodies which are used to make explosives for the mining and quarry industries.
Ian Gregory, specialist-operations support at Orica UK, said: “We first switched to Volvo in 2001 and have stuck with them since then. Today, all 15 trucks that we run in our UK operation are Volvos. In fact, our first Volvo chassis is still in service and just passed its MoT earlier this month at 23 years of age! We have never had a major issue which, considering we have the engine constantly running to power the PTO when we’re on-site, is pretty impressive.”
The vehicles have full ADR certification and feature Volvo’s 460hp Euro-6(e) engine with peak torque of 2,300Nm. This is paired with a 12-speed automated I-Shift gearbox. The trucks also feature the X-High chassis for additional ground clearance which is important for off-road access to quarries in the UK and Western Isles.
Gregory added:“We used to specify a manual transmission, as so much of the work is off-road but the guys are all very complimentary about the I-Shift gearboxes on the newer models. Making sure our drivers have a truck they are comfortable with and enjoy driving is very important to us.”
The FMX trucks are expected to cover around 80,00km annually. Inside, the sleeper cabs have a good amount of storage space, a 12in instrument display, and a 9in infotainment screen. The trucks feature uprated 9-tonne front axles and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloys.
Gregory said: “Paul and the team at Thomas Hardie have given us great service from start to finish, they did everything in their power to get us the trucks as quickly as possible. Two of the FMX chassis were sent direct to France for body builds, and two were refurbished in the UK. We’re very pleased with the final product.”
- Volvo will be exhibiting at Road Transport Expo, which takes place at NAEC Stoneleigh between 4-6 June. Registrations are now open, so book your free place now!