The Cambridgeshire-based company, G Webb Haulage, has purchased its first Volvo truck since 2011. Its brand-new Volvo FM 8×4 rigid with lifting rear axle, unique to Volvo Trucks, has already impressed the haulage company with its fuel-saving capabilities.
G Webb Haulage specialises in the bulk transport and disposal of all kinds of contaminated soils and wastes. Its new truck was chosen to reduce the company’s fuel use.
The new Volvo will be joining a fleet of 60 other vehicles, all carrying a variety of bulk materials, ranging from aggregates, coal, fertiliser, to scrap metals and soils.
The FM will be in operation five-days-a-week and is expected to cover 75,000 miles annually. It is powered by the proven Volvo D11K Euro VI Step D diesel engine, which produces 430 horsepower, and up to 2,050 Newton meters of torque.
‘The nature of our work means some jobs can involve a period of empty running when our vehicles return to site to reload. With the new FM we can lift the rear axle, reducing rolling resistance, which in turn improves fuel economy and reduces tyre wear,’ commented Fleet Director Paul Broker.
Once the truck has been unloaded, drivers simply push a button on the dashboard to disengage and raise the second drive axle. This automatically increases pressure on the first drive axle, to optimise traction and agility. This delivers a fuel saving of approximately 4%. As soon as the truck is reloaded, the second drive axle automatically lowers and engages.
With fuel-saving potential in mind, the truck has also been fitted with I-Cruise intelligent cruise control, along with I-Roll software, which helps save fuel whenever engine power or engine braking is not needed.
The FM also has driver comfort in mind with its built-in Globetrotter sleep cab. It included a diesel-powered parking heater for the cab, internal lighting and a night light option, and a 33-litre under bunk fridge/freezer. Typically, the truck will leave the main suit on Monday and return on Friday.
