The 410hp duo were amongst the first of this type specified with Volvo’s Tandem Lift Axle, which with its added environmental features, provides a fitting synergy to Dampney’s recycling operations across Southern and South West England.
“I am keen to utilise every benefit that Volvo’s Tandem Axle Lift offers,” reports Gavin Dampney adding, “The FMXs have now been in service for a month. Our drivers like the trucks and find them extremely comfortable for a day’s work.”
A Tandem Axle Lift is ideal if you drive heavily loaded in one direction and return empty in the other. When unloaded, a dashboard button can disengage and raise the drive axle. Once loaded again, the drive axle automatically lowers and engages to ensure maximum traction and driveability, taking only 15 seconds from start to finish.
The Tandem Axle Lift option is now available for all models in the Volvo FM, FMX, FH and FH16 ranges.
Drive axles produce friction and rolling resistance, which both increase fuel consumption levels. By disengaging and raising the axle when not required, a fuel improvement of around four per cent is boosted by significantly improved manoeuvrability, reduced turning radii and increased tyre life.
Joining a fleet of 13 trucks based at several designated operating centres across South West and Southern England, Dampney’s two Volvo FMXs are also equipped with Sleeper cabs, 12-speed I-Shift automated mechanical gearboxes and high chassis heights.
For maximum driver safety levels, the 24 cubic metre Wilcox tipper bodies are fitted with electric sheeting systems and air operated tailgates. Dampney’s also opted for five-year Volvo Gold Contracts that guarantee 100% uptime with preventive maintenance and repairs included.
The Dampney family have farmed for countless generations, but have always moved with the times. Over the last 30 years Dampney’s contracting business has evolved into a specialised recycling operation that pays close attention to detail and customer service.
An expertise in the recycling of biosolids for the water industry is delivered by the latest equipment and technical back-up.