Supplied by Wayne Delve, Sales Executive at Mansel Davies Group, the two new Volvo FL rigids are equipped with D8K engines and six speed I-Sync gearboxes. Both trucks are fitted with 7.6m Solomon refrigerated bodies, one of which carries a special billboard livery that was a result of a schools competition, based around a theme to promote holidays in Wales.
The competition’s winning entry was submitted by Matteo from Johnston Primary in Carmarthen, who received an iPad, plus £2,500 for his school. Matteo’s design now adorns one of Castell Howell’s new Volvo FL 12 tonne rigids. The other Volvo’s bodywork initially promoted The Royal Welsh Agricultural Society’s annual show, which was held in late July.
Castell Howell’s latest two Volvo FL rigids are also the UK’s first to feature Solomon bodywork with Frigoblock / Thermo King hybrid solutions.
“In the past Frigoblock used an alternator / generator system, powered by the trucks’ engine. That system was great when travelling down the road; but the cooling ceased if the engine was turned off after parking up in town,” reports Martin Jones, Director of Transport Operations at Castell Howell Foods Ltd.
“However, the new Thermo King Hybrid solution keeps the proven alternator / generator system, but when the ignition is turned off, it automatically switches over to an ancillary diesel powered refrigeration unit. When the ignition is switched back on, the ancillary cuts out instantly and it’s back to electric motor power,” Martin adds.
Castell Howell’s connection with Volvo trucks goes back to 2006, when the first examples arrived on a contract hire agreement. The company took delivery of its first Volvo tractor unit just two years later in 2008, a Volvo FH12.
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