Trucks
Liam McNamee, co-founder of Archway Products, believes that Volvo trucks have always been the most ‘interested,’ vehicle manufacturer, as he reports, “Volvo don’t just look to sell, they look to engage with us and are prepared to move mountains to design the truck to meet our high specification and to suit the bodybuilding requirements.”
Archway Products has already built its specialised Roadmaster bodywork on to Volvo’s FM and FE chassis, but the latest FL rigid has the shortest wheelbase - 3,800mm - which the body will allow and is typically specified for rural areas with narrow roads.
Powered by Volvo’s D8K Euro-6 engine rated at 280hp, Archway Products’ latest FL 4x2 rigid is also equipped with a fully-automatic Allison gearbox that powers a Power Take Off (PTO). The features front steel, rear air suspension set up will be used as a company demonstration vehicle.
The Roadmaster body is fitted with an elongated hopper to store chips and a container to store binder, as well as having a hydraulically-controlled articulated boom fitted which, when not in use, folds across the front of the truck for safer transportation.
As the new FL will be used in a ‘semi-parked’ position for most of the time during operation, the company has adopted a number of specific features. A vertical exhaust stack directs fumes away from the roadway and a low ratio rear axle delivers increased torque for use in areas that have steep terrain. The Allison automatic transmission is also a must for the operation because of the stop:start nature of the work.
Liam adds, “Having the Allison gearbox with torque converter is particularly important for our work, because operators could be on the side of a hill for two hours. With the Allison transmission they are not putting strain on their legs by continuously operating a manual clutch, nor is there the opportunity to burn the clutch out. We have found this gearbox combination has stood the test of time.”
As Liam explains, “All of the external equipment is made easy to fit because of Volvo’s endeavours to understand the application from the outset. The trucks come prep’ed with the necessary fittings and attachments in the correct places and all access points for electrics and pneumatics come ready to fit.”
Safety is paramount for Archway when specifying its equipment because the Roadmaster does more reversing than the average truck. The design includes manoeuvring sensors, reversing alarms, rear cameras and a driver-assist function can also be fitted. An LED arrow board can also be mounted on the rear of the Roadmaster enabling the operation to carry out any independent mobile works safely. A recent addition is back bumper sensors which automatically trigger the handbrake should anyone walk behind the reversing vehicle.
Liam has only positive things to say about Volvo’s dealerpoint network. His primary dealer is McDonnell Commercials in Monaghan who he highly regards in terms of their technical ability and willingness to develop bespoke solutions. The widespread nature of this hire business sees Archway’s Volvo trucks specified with five-year Volvo Gold Service Contracts and vehicles are generally maintained by the closest dealerpoint. As he says, “Volvo has a great network of dealers. We find that there are good, consistent standards across the network.”
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Notes for Editors :
1. Initially a manufacturer of bale wrapping machinery for the agriculture industry, Liam and Maureen McNamee founded Archway Products in County Leitrim, Ireland in 1990. Still family-owned, Liam’s role has recently shifted to Chairman, permitting his son Donal to take over as Managing Director.
2. By the year 2000, the company turned its attentions to the niche road repair market and developed a robust, patented and CE approved road repair product. It began selling within the Irish market, before later moving into the UK.
3. The product - Roadmaster®, has been well received in both markets and the company has since built an impressive list of customers, including many of the UK and Irish local authorities.
4. With a team exceeding 50 staff Archway Products now design, manufacture, sell, hire and support this specialised and highly innovative machinery.
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