Driver preference had a lot to do with the new Volvo FH 540 6x2 sleeper cab tractor unit which has just joined the Campbell Plant Hire fleet.
“The driver is a big Volvo fan, and we were only too happy to provide him with the tools he likes when it came to upgrading his truck,” explained John Maclachlan, director at the Inverness-based firm.
Also playing a part in the decision to purchase the truck, was a good existing relationship with Kevin Fraser, the transport solutions executive at Volvo Truck and Bus.
“We always get a good service from Kevin and the team at Volvo Trucks, and the depot is just round the corner from our HQ,” continued Maclachlan. “We’ve run plenty of Volvos in the past and currently have a smaller Volvo FL on the fleet, so we like the product.”
The truck, which will be coupled to a Nooteboom trailer and used to transport heavy plant equipment across the Highlands of Scotland, has been specified with the 540hp engine, which is coupled to the 12-speed I-Shift gearbox. It also has Volvo’s I-See predictive cruise control system.
The haulier opted for the Living+ package, which adds 154 litres of rear cab upper storage, interior lighting with night light and dimmer, plus a 33-litre fridge/freezer.
The flat sleeper cab, which was specified because of low branches and low bridges in its area of operation, is finished in the company’s striking yellow livery. The external appearance is enhanced further with the addition of Alcoa Dura-Bright wheels, factory side skirts and bumper spoiler, and factory-fitted air horns.
“This is the biggest truck we have and will be shifting some pretty heavy equipment all over the Highlands and onto the islands as well,” explained Maclachlan. “We opted for the 540hp engine to give us a bit more power, which allows us to deliver quicker journey times for our customers.
“The terrain can be challenging – further north and out to the west there’s a lot of single-track roads and hills, we need a truck that can deliver on performance.”
The truck, which is expected to clock-up in the region of 50,000 to 60,000 miles per annum, is backed by a four-year Volvo Gold Contract.
