Trucks
The 26-tonner, which is a direct replacement for an older generation FH, joins the firm’s 14-strong fleet and marks the first new Volvo for the Chippenham-based business in five years.
Supplied by Truck and Bus Wales and West, it is built on a 4,900mm wheelbase and powered by Volvo’s proven D13K Euro-6, Step D, diesel engine producing up to 500 hp and 2,500 Nm of torque. It is fitted with a flatbed body, supplied by TWR Commercial Bodybuilders, with a rear-mounted remote-control Atlas 135.2 crane.
Edward Bond, Transport Manager at F.G. Bond & Son, says: “We considered two other manufacturers for this order, but after careful consideration, Volvo won it for us. My father Rodney, who has been with the business since 1966, was also pushing for us to get another Volvo in the fleet and it hasn’t disappointed.
“Since the minute I got in touch with Ernest McGregor at our local dealer, the customer service we have received has been outstanding. They turned around our enquiry in record time, coming back to us with a fully costed proposal which met every requirement we’d set.”
The truck has been specified with Volvo Dynamic Steering, an ultra-responsive steering system designed to lessen driver steering force by up to 85%, helping increase road safety and reduce driver fatigue. The system combines conventional hydraulic power steering with an electric motor that’s fitted to the steering gear, offering perfect stability and control at all speeds.
“We operate in a range of different conditions and our customers have sites that vary from small urban locations up to big housing developments, so we needed a truck offering the best manoeuvrability. This is also the first Volvo we’ve had with Dynamic Steering and Dual Clutch, and it’s a real game-changer,” explains Bond. “We are beyond happy with the full package that Volvo has provided.”
This latest FH, which sports the company’s traditional racing green livery, will be in operation five days a week transporting predominantly concrete floor beams across the South West and expected to clock up around 120,000km per year.
Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift Dual Clutch transmission offers smooth acceleration with seamless shifting, changing gear in a fraction of a second. The Dual Clutch also stands apart for being able to pre-select the next gear while driving in the current one, with one clutch idling while the other is engaged.
Also contributing to the truck’s huge specification is Volvo’s Long Haul Fuel Package, Driving Plus Package, Single Bed Resting Package, Media Package and a three-year subscription to the Dynafleet fleet management system. Drivers also benefit from an FH sleeper cab featuring leather seats and a lower bunk with pocket sprung mattress, for comfortable overnight accommodation – and a generous 33-litre under bunk fridge/freezer.
Founded in 1934, F.G. Bond & Son is a family-run haulage and vehicle repair business serving the South West. The company has earned a vast collection of silverware from truck shows over more than 30 years, having first attended Truckfest at Shepton Mallet in 1989.
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.