As Volvo Trucks launch their Driver Challenge 2018 on the hunt for the world’s best driver of a Volvo truck, let’s take a look at some of the technologies built into the Volvo FH4 that allow drivers to be the best.

Volvo Trucks say: “It’s all about the driver. And the important role drivers play when it comes to safety, fuel efficiency and productivity. Yes, when it comes to overall success, the driver makes the difference.”

After years of working with some of the best drivers in Britain, we can vouch for that too, but of course your choice of truck helps too, and the Volvo FH4 has plenty of added extras that help you to achieve the very best performance across fuel efficiency, productivity and road safety too.

Enhanced productivity with Dynamic Steering

No more cumbersome steering wheels, as Dynamic Steering on Volvo FH4 trucks helps you to drive in an arrow-straight line at higher speeds and to steer with just one finger at slower speeds.

It’s a game-changing technology that goes far beyond the kind of power steering you may have seen in the past, or which you might have on an ordinary passenger car.

This all adds up to smoother turns and more direct straights, making used Volvo FH4 trucks reliable on ride comfort, and maximising productivity by smoothing out minor aberrations in steering manoeuvres.

Improved fuel efficiency with I-Shift

I-Shift is one of the technologies that help used Volvo FH4 trucks to continue to deliver competitive fuel efficiency, with a Dual Clutch gearbox to ensure no power is lost during gear changes.

You can use I-Shift’s manual selector to take direct control over the gearbox, or install add-ons to the onboard computer to tailor the automatic elements of the technology for specific jobs.

Again, this is one of the innovations that support the driver to be the best they can be – allowing improved fuel efficiency by up to 30% compared with a less skilful driver.

Better safety and visibility

Dynamic Steering has benefits for road safety, but the Volvo FH4 has plenty of other features that help too, such as reversing cameras, high-visibility mirrors and intelligent headlights that track upcoming corners.

All of this helps to make sure drivers not only get the best from their vehicle, but also makes used Volvo FH4 trucks competitive on road safety, for the benefit of all road users.

With the Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge 2018 now underway, the coming months will see over 12,000 Volvo Trucks drivers from 44 different countries go head to head to prove their worth on safety, productivity, fuel efficiency and general driver skill.

The contest comes to a head on September 13th-14th in Gothenburg, Sweden, where finalists will convene to battle for the overall title, to be presented at an awards ceremony on the final day.

But for many thousands of drivers worldwide, a Volvo FH4 truck is a constant companion, not just to win awards, but to keep them safe, comfortable and productive out on the roads day in, day out.

Currently marking its 30th year in business, Flintshire-based Hollingsworth Bros (UK) Ltd. has put a new 26-tonne, Volvo FE rigid into operation.

Supplied by David Hill, Transport Solutions Executive at Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd, Deeside, the 6×2 medium height chassis was specified with a 6.1m wheelbase and a hydraulically-steered, single tyre tag axle. Rear air suspension, along with a bogie load distribution of 11.5-tonnes on the drive axle and 7.5-tonnes on the tag axle, will comfortably cater for Hollingsworth’s plant movements up to 13-tonnes.

“The new Volvo FE will be used exclusively on our time-critical, own account operations mostly in North Wales and the North West of England. That said, its first job was to London on behalf of a customer,” reports Paul Hollingsworth, Director at Hollingsworth Bros (UK) Ltd.

Powered by a Volvo DK engine rated at 320hp, the FE also features a 12-speed, I-Shift automated transmission system feeding a drive axle with a ratio of 3.36:1. A Volvo Day cab sits in front of a factory-fitted vertical exhaust stack and a Sterling Cheesewedge plant transporter body, complete with a comprehensive fall arrest system.

“We have operated around five Volvo Trucks in the last ten years or so and our FMX eight-wheeled tipper has clocked up three years of reliable service,” notes Paul, adding “The new FE’s driver came off an 11-tonne rigid, so it’s been a big jump for him. However, both Thomas Hardie Commercials and bodybuilders, Sterling have delivered driver induction training, which has made a big difference.”

Hollingsworth Bros (UK) Ltd is a highly accredited nationwide organisation covering all aspects of construction, civil engineering and property development. The company specialises in bespoke industrial construction solutions and innovative design build projects, supporting businesses of all sizes from sole traders to FTSE 100 companies.

“We retain our trucks for four years and always use Volvo’s Service Contracts. Volvo is a good quality brand and we have an established working partnership with Thomas Hardie Commercials,” concludes Paul.

Norton’s Hiab Services Ltd of Miles Platting, Manchester recently took part in a primary school educational visit with its suppliers, Volvo Trucks and Hiab.

Hiab were initially contacted by Bredbury Green Primary School in Romiley, Greater Manchester, to request assistance with their safety educational event. The crane manufacturer’s close working partnership with Norton’s Hiab Services, led to one of its vehicles being selected for the visit.

In turn, Norton’s Hiab Services requested support from its Volvo Trucks supplier, Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd., whose Fleet and Key Account Manager, Stephen Cruickshank arranged for a Volvo FH-540 Globetrotter 6×4 tractor unit, equipped with a Hiab lorry-mounted crane to visit the school last month.

“The event’s aim was to introduce children to the truck industry and prompt some engagement. The commanding presence of a Volvo FH-540 6×4 prime mover in the School car park was extremely well received by the young pupils. Several groups were brought out in their classes with an aim of demonstrating the crane’s operation and potentially to sow the seeds of interest.

It enabled them to get up close to the vehicle and appreciate its sheer size, the works which it carries out on a day-to-day basis and the importance of safety around trucks,” reports Stephen, adding “The visit was an outstanding success, one which the children will hopefully remember for some time.”

The Volvo FH-540 6×4 tractor unit from Norton’s Hiab Services features rear air suspension and a specialised factory-fitted front frame extension, for 360-degree crane operation. This fleet flagship’s Globetrotter Cab is finished in Dark Knight Pearl paint and specified with Volvo’s unique Dynamic Steering system, in addition to a ten-tonne front axle, ADR certification and a full complement of safety equipment. The driver benefits from leather seats, twin bunks and Drive Plus trim.

The Hiab 622EP-6 HiPro crane has a telescopic six boom extension that gives a 16.9 metre standard outreach, with lifting capacities of 10,600 kg at 5.1 metre radius to 2,740kg at 16.9 metre radius with 360 degree lifting capability.

An extensive list of Hiab features includes radio remote control, Hiab VSL leg stability system with variable leg measurement capability and check valves to prevent release of load in the event of hose failure.

Notes for Editors :
1. With a wealth of experience in the Hiab hire sector, Nortons Hiab Services Ltd was established over 20 years ago.
2. Since its founding, the company has grown its operation from one lorry-mounted crane to a fleet of 40 units, which includes a wide range of rigid and articulated / extendable up to 60ft, vehicles fitted with Hiab’s from 60tm through to 85tm.
3. Today Norton’s Hiab Services, headquartered in Manchester, provides a UK-wide coverage for transportation and specialist lifting / Hiab hire services.
4. Hiab is the world’s leading provider of on-road load-handling equipment, intelligent services and digitally connected solutions.

With over 25 years experience under its belt, THVS (Thomas Hardie Vehicle Solutions) in Chorley provides a stand-alone centre of excellence for a wide range of services.

“We are a stand-alone, multi brand operation that taps into the benefits of being backed by a large privately owned business,” declares Steve Waterworth, Commercial Business Manager at THVS. Whilst most will be familiar with the Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd Volvo trucks dealership, established back in 1985, fewer folk outside of North West England will be aware of THVS, which was originally founded as Thomas Hardie Engineering in 1996.

Simon Cartwright, Workshop Controller at THVS can trace his career progress further back to Nova Scotia Bodies, when he started there in July 1993. Nova Scotia Bodies was the company bought out by Thomas Hardie 22 years ago to form its engineering division.

“It’s been quite a journey across two neighbouring premises. We’ve been involved with every commercial vehicle marque over the years and plenty of passenger service vehicles. People do, quite rightly, instantly associate the Volvo trucks name with Thomas Hardie, but at THVS we of course see plenty of Volvos with our dealerpoint support work, but in any given week there’s also a wide range of truck types here,” notes Cartwright.

THVS’ steady organic growth received a major boost five years ago, when a substantial investment in technology and equipment was complemented by the arrival of Steve Waterworth as Commercial Business Manager. The move next door to larger premises in 2016, undoubtedly paid dividends, but the associated rise in business and vehicle throughput means the firm has almost outgrown the current property.

A new main area of growth has complemented the firm’s mainstay vehicle painting, refinishing and accident repair works. “The supply and fitting of Hydraulic solutions has filled a niche gap in the marketplace and we offer an all makes, bespoke fit service to customers across a wide swathe of the UK,” reports Waterworth.

At the time of CM’s visit, hydraulic projects were in progress for customers in North East England, The Midlands and Humberside, thereby giving THVS potentially a much wider geographical reach that its parent company’s dealerpoint responsibilities for Volvo trucks. “Our work involving PTO driven solutions has really taken off,” quips Cartwright. “Tipping wet kits and walking floor kits probably predominate these works at present but we also do shaft driven solutions, alongside hydraulic and pressure discharge equipment,” he adds.

Every hydraulic fitment at THVS is different and both Waterworth and Cartwright prefer face-to-face communication with their customer base to agree the design and build process. “With such a wide variety of commercial vehicle chassis in the marketplace, good communication levels get the detail correct on every project. Weight is the key issue now and we’ve invested both time and expertise into tank designs and best use of chassis free space. The attendant Adblue tanks and larger exhaust silencers required by Euro 6 emission regulations has made us more innovative,” Cartwright says.

“Hose routing and coupling types or locations are also examples of components that differ vastly according to the host vehicle type. We have the equipment on site to manufacturer our own hydraulic hoses and we stock high turnover items such as PTOs and pumps. And of course Volvo truck customers at Thomas Hardie Commercials who have specified PTO driven hydraulics get everything supplied under one complete package, with just one warranty document to deal with,” he adds.

Getting the correct pump for the job can also have environmental and cost benefits as Cartwright explains, “there’s a popular misconception that high revving engines increase flow rates. That’s wrong. The pump alone regulates the flow rate and we like to specify faster working PTOs and pumps. These keep the engine revs down, thereby reducing noise levels and fuel use.”

THVS’ engineering solutions take many shapes and sizes. During CM’s visit a double decker bus is undergoing substantial front-end accident damage repairs, whilst nearby a temperature controlled drawbar trailer is having a new floor and rear door surrounds fitted. Across the workshop floor, a group of Volvo FH tractor units are having additional nearside door glazing panels fitted to improve urban visibility levels for a large blue chip customer.

“The extra passenger door glass panels are proving popular retrofit options for quite a number of truck types now and for accident damage work we deal with eight out of ten major UK insurers,” notes Waterworth adding, “we also do a lot of Hatcher air management kit fittings, catwalks for SB Components and a host of other ancillary equipment like chassis side skirts, tool boxes and additional lights or beacons.” This production line capacity can often see major fleets booking in new multi vehicle orders for a campaign of engineering solutions.

The well-worn phrase that ‘you only get what you pay for,’ rings true at THVS, who are justifiably proud of their top quality vehicle painting and refinishing services the Chorley property contains two, state of the art low bake oven booths, which can accommodate anything from a small cab panel right up to a full height double deck trailer. “THVS are an active member of PPG Industries’ Paint Guard scheme. Everything is painted with two pack and there are stringent quality standards to be adhered to across the entire painting process,” Cartwright notes.

Recognising the need to minimise downtime for customers, THVS keep a stock of pre painted Volvo cab panels and use a ‘Pit Stop’ system for speedy repairs. This sees instant availability on around 80 per cent of Volvo truck cab panels finished in primary colours, with Volvo Winter White being the most popular.

A triage facility for trailers is offered to a number of major retail customers with RDCs close by THVS’ premises in Commonbank Industrial Estate. “This service peaks in the run up to Christmas and we can turn trailers needing running repairs around quickly. We work hard to be in sync with every customer’s business requirements,” Waterworth declares.

The 14 strong team at THVS Chorley work a two shift system which sees Monday to Friday opening from 5am to 10.30pm and Saturday / Sunday opening by appointment. A previous campaign entitled ‘Give your truck a weekend break,’ proved particularly popular for operators with accident damaged tractor units requiring minor, out of hours cosmetic repairs.

THVS enjoy several benefits of being part of the Volvo family, albeit in a more stand-alone fashion. “The separate business branding is important to us, but we are subject to the same stringent auditing and environmental policies deployed at the truck dealerships. The latter green issues also see us work collaboratively with Chorley Council on a frequent basis. We can tap into Thomas Hardie Commercials’ IT and HR systems in addition to the group health and safety policies, thereby maintaining professional business standards across the board,” Waterworth concludes.

Customer Case Study – A Fresh Approach

THVS’ production line systems were recently deployed on eight Volvo trucks delivered to Huntapac Produce Ltd of Holmes, Lancashire during 2017. The FH460 6×2 tractor units were supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials Ltd.’s Preston dealerpoint and the prime movers were sent to THVS at Chorley for fitment of wet kits.

“We operate around 50 tipper trailers in our fleet and our association with THVS goes back around four years when we specified hydraulic gear on another batch of Volvo trucks,” notes Will Hunter, Operations Director at Huntapac Produce Ltd. “The specification, fitment and performance of the hydraulic equipment is spot on. THVS know our requirements and we’re happy to place repeat orders for the same specifications,” Hunter adds.

Huntapac Produce’s specification saw THVS fit a single line tipping hydraulic motive wet kit that included a chassis side mounted, aluminium oil tank with a capacity of 200 litres. An OMFB 82 litre pump and OMFB fixed wheel Power Take Off (PTO) are located at the gearbox rear to produce an operating flow of approximately 95 litres per minute.

Inside the Volvo FH cab, the tipping control is fixed next to the driver’s seat at floor level, whilst back on the chassis, a power pipe exit in front of the fifth wheel adjoins a 360 degree swivel fitting terminating with push on coupling and storage point.

For more information, please contact : swaterworth [at] thardie [dot] co [dot] uk