The 6x2 tractor units come in steered pusher axle format and feature Globetrotter XL cabs finished in Volvo's 50th anniversary, Alisa Edition, black option. Gold painted front grilles and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels provide the perfect finished touches to the head turning duo. The latest arrivals will, just like the rest of this all-Volvo fleet, haul Fruehauf bulk tipping trailers.
Chilton Bulk Transport founder and owner, Brian Chilton, sees Volvo's 13-litre FH series as an extremely good all-round truck. He reports, "The engine rated at 540hp pulls well, the Dual Clutch transmission is superb and the drivers really like this powertrain.
The gearbox makes the best use of the engine power without over revving it and I think that the 500hp engine, with the Dual Clutch might well be the best combination for our job. We are definitely sold on the new gearbox and will be specifying it in the future, wherever possible."
A similar opinion is offered on Volvo's Dynamic Steering system. "It takes a few days for the drivers to get used to it, but after that the drivers wouldn't be without it. Feedback indicates that it is fantastic when reversing in a tight spot and excellent out on the road at higher speed.
" The drivers also like the optional steering system on the pusher axle, as Chilton confirms, "the truck goes exactly where you point it, even in the wet and I expect it will reduce tyre wear in the long run as well."
Brian Chilton's association with Volvo Trucks goes right back to the pioneering F86 and F88 models of the 1960s and 70s. The current Chilton Bulk Transport fleet includes used and new purchases, with the latter looked after by Truck and Bus Wales and West on Volvo's Gold Service Contract.
"We find the dealerpoint service levels very good. The drivers drop the trucks off and there is a car available for them to get back. This is an important point, as time spent delivering and collecting trucks for service is a real issue," Brian notes concluding, "the new limited edition FH-540's are superb trucks, I was interested in having one as soon as they were introduced. It's an excellent all round package."
