The pair of FM 6x2 pusher axle tractor units feature Volvo’s 13-litre engine producing 460hp, I-Shift automated transmission systems, sleeper cabs with air kits and sliding fifth wheels. Vertical exhaust stacks were also included in the specifications.
The FM 8x4 day cab rigids come in 8x4 configuration, this time with 420hp variants of Volvo’s D13K engine and I-Shift gearboxes. These 32-tonne chassis are fitted with Multilift XR26T.55 hook lift bodies, which were supplied and fitted by Hiab Scotland, Cumbernauld.
Last, but not least, is a Volvo FE 4x2 rigid with Hiab skip gear. This 18-tonner is powered by a 250hp D8K engine connected to a nine-speed manual gearbox.
All five vehicles are on five-year contract hire agreement that includes full Volvo Service Contracts, which will be carried out at the manufacturer’s Glasgow West dealerpoint in Cardonald and Ayr.
“We moved to Volvo trucks in 2012 when the manufacturer opened its Ayr dealerpoint,” reports Gordon Whiteford, Operations Director at Barr, adding that, “Our first Volvo tractor units rewrote the book on reliability and back-up. There was no downtime to report and the back-up service was excellent. The servicing schedules are carried out either on back shifts or night shifts and that lets us maximise the trucks’ productivity levels.”
“Another plus,” Gordon enlarges, “Is that Hiab Scotland travel to the Volvo dealerpoint for any bodywork servicing or maintenance, making the depot a real one-stop shop. The whole experience has been a very positive learning curve for us.’”
Barr retain their trucks for a five-year period, due to the harsh operating conditions in this sector. “Our ten strong fleet is now all Volvo. The drivers love them, particularly the I-Shift gearboxes, which are a huge step forward from the old manual units,” Gordon notes adding, “The Volvos’ standard specifications are really high and the product literally does what it says on the tin.”
The two FM tractor units will haul ejector trailers on local authority contracts and Barr’s operational area takes in a sizeable part of south west Scotland up to the central belt.
- ENDS -
Notes for Editors :
- Barr is one of Scotland’s leading waste management companies operating a variety of waste treatment, recycling and residual disposal facilities throughout the west of Scotland.
- The company has been established for over 150 years with over two decades of specific experience in waste management.
