Trucks

A new Volvo FH powers progress at Douglas F. Mitchell

A loyal Volvo Trucks customer for over 35 years, Laurencekirk-based, Douglas F Mitchell Limited has recently added a new Volvo FH tractor unit to its fleet. Supplied by Richard Cochrane, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland in Aberdeen.
A new Volvo FH powers progress at Douglas F. Mitchell

The new FH tractor unit comes with a range-topping Globetrotter XL Cab and a 6x2 pusher axle 4,100mm wheelbase chassis and is powered by Volvo’s D13K engine producing 540hp, and inside the cab is a leather interior and 1 Bed Resting Package feature, along with a coffee maker and microwave oven. The vehicle also benefits from a five-year, Volvo Gold Service Contract.

Douglas F. Mitchell will use its latest Volvo FH to haul a variety of trailer types, on transport assignments predominately linked to the agricultural industry. To provide maximum fleet utilisation, SB Components also fitted tipping hydraulics, in addition to chassis side skirts, chassis lockers and a catwalk to the truck. Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels and super single tyres on the front axle are also included in the firm’s preferred specification.

The new arrival is also the most powerful Volvo FH to date within this fleet, with the remainder being 460, 480 and 500hp examples. The Laurencekirk operation’s traditional Scottish fleet livery includes high presentation standards and a factory-painted solid Blue Regatta coloured cab sports additional paintwork and sign writing by Alan Dougan of Auchterarder.

Clive Mitchell, owning partner at Douglas F. Mitchell reports, “The new FH 540’s fuel consumption figures are better than expected and despite its top power output, it’s not using any extra diesel when compared to his other vehicles, with all working on a variety of job types.”

Clive is also taking a fresh look at vehicle retention periods. “In the past we’ve kept trucks for an indefinite period, but I’m considering selling the new FH 540 after five years. The Gold Service contract for that period will undoubtedly help with potential re-sale values and reduce our workshop bills in the process.”

Founded by Douglas and Rosehelen Mitchell in 1974 with one tipper lorry, Douglas F. Mitchell Limited now operates a fleet of ten vehicles, including seven FHs and one FM, which are bolstered by two full-time sub-contractors. The Mitchell family’s association with Volvo trucks stretches back to 1983, when Douglas bought an ‘A’ registered F7 from salesman, Bob Simpson at Volvo truck dealers James M Forbes (Motors) Ltd in Aberdeen. Since then a variety of Volvo tractor units and rigids, bought new and used, have been operated including F10, F12 and FL10 types.

Clive concludes, “We have relied on Volvo trucks for over 35 years. I like the product quality, and reliability levels. Our Generation I FH is a good lorry for its age and the latest Generation IV FH 540 is performing better than expected.”

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Contact

For more information, please contact :

Nigel Hanwell, Press Officer, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Tel:     +44 (0) 1926 414210
Mobile: +44 (0) 7831 817083
Fax:     +44 (0) 1926 414386
E-mail: nigel.hanwell@volvo.com