New Volvo FH 540 for Celmisa Plant Hire

Commercial Motor
October 2, 2023

Scottish firm Celmisa Plant Hire has taken delivery of a new Volvo FH 540 Globetrotter 6x4 tractor unit.

Continuing its long standing relationship with Volvo, the truck was supplied by Rhona Paterson, transport solutions executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland. The unit will be paired with a Faymonville trailer and put to work transporting heavy plant equipment in the central belt of Scotland. 

Mark Johnston, plant manager at Celmisa Plant Hire, said: “We’ve been buying Volvo products for more than 40 years now throughout the business, so we’re well accustomed to what the brand brings to the table. From construction equipment to trucks, Volvo has consistently delivered unmatched performance and reliability ensuring that our operations run smoothly day-in, day-out. The backup service we receive from our local dealer is just as good. From day one it was clear that they understood exactly what we needed, both in terms of product and ongoing aftersales support. We couldn’t be happier.” 

The new truck replaces a 2014 FH 540 and is fitted with a Euro-6(e) D13K engine with 540hp and 2,600Nm of torque. It’s equipped with a 12-speed I-Shift gearbox and Celmisa Plant Hire opted for two extra gears, a crawler and ultra-low crawler to reduce clutch wear by up to 75%. The FH is also specified with Volvo’s Tandem Axle Lift for improved fuel efficiency, turning radius unloaded and better traction when loaded. Hub reduction rear axles increase ground clearance and provide smoother acceleration on soft ground. 

Johnston said: “As our yard is located at a farm at the top of quite a steep hill, it can be tricky hauling heavy loads up and down, especially when we hit the wet, icy and snowy winter months. That’s why we were looking forward to the I-Shift transmission this time. Having those gear changes automated takes a huge amount of stress off our drivers’ shoulders and will make climbing that hill an absolute breeze, in pretty much any weather.”

The truck is specified with the Volvo Drive+ package which includes air conditioning, dual arm rests and an adjustable steering wheel with neck tilt. Its Globetrotter cab is also equipped with a one person Living package, a Media pack with navigation and the Visibility+ package. These extras include a cab parking heater, 33-litre fridge freezer, microwave and heated and suspended driver and passenger seats. It’s also fitted with safety features such as forward collision warning with advanced emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keeping support systems. 

The FH is on a Volvo Gold Contract which includes repairs, wear and tear, preventative maintenance and 24/7 real time monitoring of critical components. Celmisa Plant Hire will operate this vehicle five days a week for an estimated annual 50,000km. 

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