Trucks
The 18-tonne FEs are mounted with beavertail bodies and replace smaller trucks from a rival manufacturer, allowing the company to transport larger equipment, such as excavators and dumpers from its plants in Tewkesbury, Cotswolds and Worcester.
Jack Clutterbuck, Depot Manager at WHC Hire Services, says: “We update our trucks every five years, so when our fleet was up for renewal, the majority of our drivers recommended Volvo. Reliability and price points were a big deciding factor for us, and we are certainly impressed. These are the first Volvos we’ve had and so far, they have been a breeze to operate, with straightforward controls and excellent comfort.”
Supplied by Adam Barnard, Area Sales Manager at Truck and Bus Wales and West, the FEs are powered by Volvo’s D8K diesel engine, producing up to 320 hp and 1,200 Nm of torque. Plus, with Volvo’s I-Shift gearbox, they allow for an effortless and safer driving experience.
The trucks are covered by a five-year Volvo Gold Contract, with all the servicing and maintenance carried out by the Truck and Bus Wales and West depot in Evesham.
“We chose the Gold Contract as it takes everything out of our hands and gives us real peace of mind,” says Clutterbuck. “Currently, we have six other trucks from alternative marques in our fleet and when they’re up for renewal in the next couple of years, we’ll definitely be talking to Volvo again.”
The new FEs will cover up to 60,000km a year, delivering plant machinery to customers around the local area.
Featuring a DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and air conditioning, the FE cabs offer a spacious working environment for the WHC Hire Services’ team.
Additionally, safety and visibility is maximised thanks to Volvo’s factory-fitted, additional lower kerb window on the passenger door.
Established in 1997, WHC Hire Services has an excellent reputation for the quality of its equipment and its focus on health and safety. With continued investment and an ever-developing hire fleet, WHC continues to efficiently fulfil the requirements of its growing customer base.
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.