Trucks
The FH will be used to deliver the company’s own range of solar generators, renewable power and site establishment products to its nationwide customer base.
Ian Potiatynyk, Head of Contract Delivery at Think Hire, says: “We are a relatively new company but have expanded quickly and, as the interest in our products has grown, we felt it was the right time to make an investment in our first truck so we can control the whole process right through to delivery of the kit.
“I have had lots of experience of Volvo trucks through previous work in the industry and know they are the right tool to help us do the job exactly how we want it to be done. We’re delivering equipment into sites up and down the country, for companies as large as Network Rail right down to small independent civil engineering firms. We need a truck we can rely on, and that can handle the loads we are transporting – the FH delivers on every front.”
Supplied by Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the new FH is mounted with a Fassi 710 crane and flatbed body, supplied and fitted by The Crane Centre, in Sandbach. It is also equipped with VBG drawbar coupling for pulling a trailer when required.
Power is delivered by Volvo’s proven D13K engine, producing 460 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque for excellent driveability and low fuel consumption. The Volvo Engine Brake Plus (VEB+) makes stopping safely a breeze and reduces wheel brake wear.
The FH is driven through Volvo’s 12-Speed I-Shift automated gearbox, which evaluates information about weight, speed, torque demand and road grade to perform every single shift with precision. By constantly communicating with the engine, it adjusts the revs and brake effect for maximum performance.
Its sleeper cab is finished in impressive Anthracite grey livery, and the interior features Volvo’s Media package with navigation. Safety is improved with additional cameras and FORS equipment, plus a passenger lower door window to improve visibility.
“There has been a lot of work on the spec and Paul has been hugely helpful during that process,” adds Potiatynyk. “We have delivered as far north as Aberdeen port – some of our kit is off-shore in the North Sea – and down as far as Taunton in the south.
“We want the truck to be comfortable for the driver and robust enough to carry heavy equipment. Our solar generators can be around four and a half tonnes each, including the lifting gear, but the FH can handle that with ease.”
The truck has been supplied on a five-year contract hire agreement with Volvo Financial Services, which incorporates a Volvo Gold Contract repair and maintenance package for maximum uptime and peace of mind.
Currently based in its depot in Walkden, Greater Manchester, Think Hire was established in 2018. The business provides relocatable renewable energy solutions and solar hybrid power generation, alongside eco welfare solutions and site establishment products for both hire and sale nationwide.
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.