Trucks

First new truck for John McDermott is a Volvo FMX

Timber specialist John McDermott has replaced its sole truck with a new Volvo FMX 8x4 Tridem supplied by the team at Truck and Bus Wales and West. The new arrival replaces a 10-year old Volvo FM 6x4 which had been purchased second-hand, and becomes the first brand new commercial vehicle ever operated by the Fordingbridge-based firm.
First new truck for John McDermott is a Volvo FMX
John McDermott has replaced its sole truck with a new Volvo FMX13 8x4 Tridem supplied by the team at Truck and Bus Wales and West

Truck Sales Executive Andy Button worked closely with Volvo Field Sales Engineer Brian Anderson to propose the perfect specification vehicle to accommodate a front-mounted crane and long bed for transporting timber. They recommended a 4,900mm wheelbase FMX with a 10-tonne front axle and Tridem bogie rear suspension, with a lifting and hydraulically steered tag axle, for ultimate manoeuvrability and an unprecedentedly small turning circle. 

 

Commenting on its arrival, John McDermott, a joint partner in the firm with his son-in-law, Martin Kerswell, says: “We’re absolutely delighted with the new truck; the manoeuvrability is incredible. At one site we visit regularly it used to take four shunts to get into position, whereas we drove straight in with the FMX!


“The new vehicle’s got a lot more technology on-board than we’ve ever had before, but the dealer sent their driver trainer out with us for the day and we were quickly up to speed. They showed us how to use the air-suspension to best effect, optimising rear axle pressure to generate maximum traction. We expect this will make a big difference in some of the locations we load in.”

Perfect for timber haulage, the FMX will work predominantly across the South of England, transporting fresh timber to firewood suppliers, fencing manufacturers and sawmills. Operating five to six days per week, it will cover between 60,000 to 70,000 km per annum.

 

McDermott adds: “We’ve run a Volvo for the last 14 years and despite always buying second-hand, we’ve enjoyed great reliability. When we took the decision to buy new, we had full confidence we were getting the best truck for the job.”

 

Power is provided by a Volvo D13K six-cylinder diesel engine, which is capable of producing up to 420 hp between 1,400 and 1,800 rev/min, and up to 2,100 Nm of torque between 860 rev/min and 1,400 rev/min, for great pulling power over a wide operating range. This is paired with Volvo’s proven 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox, making driving easier, safer and more comfortable.

 

The FMX is expected to remain in service with John McDermott for the next 10 years and is mounted with a Jonsered 1088S timber handling crane supplied by JD Engineering. The truck’s bespoke bodywork was assembled jointly by the customer in conjunction with Hampshire Plant & Commercial, which also built the sub-frame for the crane and bolsters.

 

For further information, please contact:

Martin Tomlinson
Head of Media, Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 7775 938063
Email: martin.tomlinson@volvo.com

Volvo Trucks supplies complete transport solutions for discerning professional customers with its full range of medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Customer support is provided via a global network of dealers with 2,200 service points in about 130 countries. Volvo trucks are assembled in 12 countries across the globe. In 2023 approximately 145,000 Volvo trucks were delivered worldwide. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The group also provides complete solutions for financing and service. Volvo Trucks’ work is based on the core values of quality, safety and environmental care.