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.