PH Winterton & Son opted for a 6x2 Volvo FM instead of an 8x4

PH Winterton & Son has added a Volvo FM 6x2 hookloader to its fleet.

The truck, which is fitted with a Harsh hookloader body, will be used exclusively for transporting sawdust and wood shavings.

"Because the product we're carrying isn't heavy, we don't need an 8-wheeler,” said Adam Moores, the operations manager of PH Winterton & Son. “Yet because our job is all about payload volume, we still want to carry the biggest boxes on the truck we can."

He went on to explain that a long wheelbase 6x2 chassis provided the perfect solution for its needs, being lighter, less expensive, and more manoeuvrable than an 8x4.

The 500hp 26-tonner has been specified on air, with a raise/lower capability to improve access in rural locations, in particular on farm tracks. The rearmost axle's lifting and steering capabilities enhances manoeuvrability in tight spaces, while the front axle has been fitted with wide single tires.

With a container, fuel, and driver onboard, the truck's unladen weight of 16 tonnes provides a 10-tonne payload, which is ideal for carrying sawdust and wood shavings.

PH Winterton & Son primarily employs the truck for 'drop and swap' work with sawmills across Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, and Greater Manchester.

Moores emphasised the truck's versatility and the commitment to over-specifying its purchases for reliability and customer service. He praised the collaboration of the Harsh body and Volvo chassis, which in his view together form an ideal combination. He also praised Harsh’s responsiveness, parts availability, and good support.

Based at Cauldon Lowe in Staffordshire, PH Winterton & Son is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of sawdust and wood shavings to the agricultural industry, providing bulk or baled bedding for the poultry, livestock and equine sectors.

Whilst the company’s operations are mainly centred around a fleet of premium tractor units working with moving-floor trailers, the new hookloader offers additional capabilities for smaller payloads and customers with more restricted access.