West Yorkshire-based J Exley has taken delivery of a Volvo FH-460 8x2 rigid with crane from Crossroads Truck and Bus, Birstall.
The crane hire and machinery removals specialist’s eight-wheeler comes with Globetrotter cab, D13K 460hp engine, I-Shift automated transmission, single bunk and fridge. It includes both twin-steer front axles and an actively steered tag axle, as well as a 6.0 metre wheelbase and an additional front frame extension.
There is also a Fassi 545 lorry-mounted crane with fly jib, for extra-long reaches and lifting. The crane is able to work a full 360 degrees, due to the additional retractable legs housed in the frame extension, giving it the ability to lift over the front of the cab.
J Exley operates another four Volvos, the oldest of which has worked daily since 2005. General manager at J Exley, Andy Watmough said: “We have another similar crane which generates a lot of jobs, so we'll definitely get plenty of use out of this one.
“Having the rear-steer is a step forwards from the eight-wheeler this truck will replace, making it even better at getting in and out of where it needs to be. In service, the vehicle will be doing anything and everything.
"It will travel up and down the country working at both 32-tonne gross weight and a full 44-tonnes with a drawbar trailer attached.”
