Trucks

Cubby construction’s new Volvo FM delivers a seasonal surprise

Cumbria-based Cubby Construction Limited put its new Volvo FM drawbar rigid to good use in the days before Christmas, with a surprise delivery to the local Carlisle Youth Zone.
Volvo FM drawbar rigid

One of the first jobs carried out by the Volvo FM 8x2 rigid chassis was the delivery of two JCB construction equipment machines to the Carlisle Youth Zone on December 21st last year. A registered charity, funded entirely by cross-sector contributions, the Carlisle Youth Zone is a safe and fun environment where the potential of young people is developed and fulfilled.

Cubby Construction Limited is a proud patron of this innovative organisation, located close to the city centre. The Volvo FM 460 drawbar rigid and two JCB machines formed a static display that children from the Carlisle Youth Zone could inspect at close quarters, prior to an afternoon of model making and drawing the vehicles on show.

Supplied by Ian McLean, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland Carlisle, the standard height FM rigid was specified with a Globetrotter Cab, 6000mm wheelbase and all round air suspension.

The duo of nine tonne front axles is complemented by a rear bogie design capacity of 19-tonnes and the FM's three steering axles deliver unparalleled manoeuvrability in restricted areas. Volvo's D13k engine is coupled to an I-Shift AT2612F, 12 speed automated manual transmission system and the powertrain is rounded off by a standard single reduction drive axle with a ratio of 2.79:1.

Cubby Construction Limited opted for a Palfinger PK 62002-EH lorry mounted crane, fitted in front of a Sterling cheese wedge plant body. 

The new tri-axle trailer was bespoke built by Wheelbase Engineering Ltd and both load platforms benefit from a comprehensive fall arrest system. Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels on the rigid and trailer, are smartly contrasted by a factory painted, Venetian Red, Volvo FM cab finished with graphics supplied by neighbouring business, John Cook Signs. Cubby Construction Limited has been a Volvo trucks customer for ten years and the FM rigid joins a fleet of nine HGVs.

"The 8x2 Volvo FM rigid and trailer was a complex vehicle to specify," reports Rogan Soones, Transport Manager at Cubby Construction Limited. "We had a 14 month lead in timescale and Ian McLean at the Carlisle depot of Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland has given us a lot of support throughout the build progress,"he adds.

The new Volvo FM will be used across the UK on own account operations, together with hire and reward requests from Cubby Construction's customers. With 28 years' experience under his belt, long-serving employee, Andy Dixon has been assigned to the Volvo FM drawbar combination and he has benefitted from both Volvo driver training and an induction course on the Palfinger crane's capabilities. 

"I've always considered Volvo trucks as a good solid brand and we are expecting ten years front line service from the latest FM rigid. In that regard, a three-year Volvo Gold Service Contract is the ideal starting point for us," Rogan reports.