News from Volvo Trucks: Countrywide Farmers Plc recently invested in two new Euro-6 compliant FH-500 XL tractor units. This latest purchase is in addition to the firm’s recent delivery of Euro-5 FH and FL trucks from Volvo.
Both of the 6×2, Globetrotter XL cabbed FH’s will support Countrywide Farmers Plc’s retail operation delivering from its distribution centre to the company’s network of stores.
Fuel is a major concern for Countrywide, accounting for up to 30% of the company’s operating costs. Volvo’s Dynafleet telematics are used to monitor fleet fuel performance. Countrywide Farmers Plc also invested in a two day Driver Development programme, delivered by Volvo dealer Truck & Bus Wales & West, for the drivers of the new trucks. The trucks were supplied on a Gold Repair and Maintenance contract and due to their heavy shift-pattern, the trucks will be maintained by the dealer at the weekend.
“The dealer network coverage and aftermarket support at a local level played a major part in our decision to buy the trucks,” commented Countrywide Farmers Plc Operations and Compliance Manager Darren Moor.
The Euro-5 compliant FH tractor unit is usually coupled to a 22,000kg capacity LPG tanker manufactured by Lakeland Tankers, which is equipped with a Meller Flow Trans metering system. The 18 tonnes GVW FL 4×2 rigid is fitted with an 8,000kg capacity tanker body, also manufactured by Lakeland Tankers with an Alpeco LC metering system.
The FHs were specified with the I-Shift automated gearbox. To cope with deliveries involving off road driving, the FL is fitted with a heavy duty version of Volvo’s drive axle air suspension.
