Supplied by Robert Auld, Transport Solutions Executive at Glasgow West dealerpoint of Volvo Truck and Bus North & Scotland, the eight 12-tonne 4x2 chassis were specified with Volvo D5K engines rated at 240hp. I-Sync automated manual transmission systems and RSS11225A rear axles make up the powertrains, whilst Ritchies see Volvo's Medium FL cab as perfect for continual use by three occupants.
Supplied with factory-painted, Post Office Red-coloured cabs, the eight new FLs are fitted with 18-foot box bodies by PMH Coachbuilders Ltd of Bonnybridge.
Forming a superb mobile advertisement for this forward thinking business, the new FLs will only average around 300 miles per week and to guarantee 100 per cent uptime on this group, Ritchies Training Centre has opted for Volvo's top choice Gold Service Contract over four years. For real world training, the new Volvos all operate with a five-tonne load secured firmly inside, in the shape of water-filled IBCs.
"We must provide consistency for our candidates, so the eight identical Volvo FLs tick all the boxes,"declares Stephen Ritchie, Director at Ritchies Training Centre.
After experience with Volvo's F86, F88 and F10 models in its road haulage days, Ritchies would go onto operate a wide range of subsequent Volvo trucks models. "Back in 1990 we bought a group of five FL6 tractor units, for HGV Class One training. These trucks were eventually replaced by some FM day cab tractor units," recalls Stephen Ritchie adding, "We still use a 28-year-old Volvo FL6 4x2 rigid as a lorry mounted-crane, training vehicle."