News from Volvo: Somerset-based livestock haulier, A E George Haulage Ltd, is one of the first UK operators to put a new 44-tonne GTW, Volvo FH 8×2 Tridem drawbar into service. The company, which operates a fleet of 20 trucks, all for livestock haulage, was founded 84 years ago in 1930.
Russell Woof of A E George Haulage, reports that, with some older farms having limited yard access for heavy trucks, good manoeuvrability is an absolute requirement in livestock haulage.
Truck and Bus Wales and West’s Andy Button was able to come up with the solution in the shape of a new Volvo FH Tridem on a seven-year Gold R&M contract which features Volvo’s unique Uptime Assurance.
With the need to ensure the welfare of the animals transported, reducing unscheduled vehicle downtime is crucial, says Woof and the 100% Uptime Assurance provides peace of mind as, through online communication, Volvo technicians can monitor the condition of the trucks’ vital components before a planned maintenance appointment.
“Volvo is the only manufacturer,” says Woof, “to offer a Tridem configuration 8×2 with this combination of lifting and steering axles number two and four. It means that the turning circle of this new FH 8×2 Tridem is actually better than that of a standard 26 tonne GVW six-wheeler.”
“The rearsteer, in particular, is invaluable when negotiating narrow winding roads and manoeuvring between buildings and machinery in busy farmyards,” he adds.
Choosing the right spec for this demanding application was made easier by a visit to the Volvo Demonstration Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.
“Truck and Bus Wales and West took me to Sweden to try out a variety of Volvo drawbars and rigids specified for high gross weight drawbar configurations, including the Tridem. This was instrumental in convincing me that a Tridem 8×2 with the two lifting and steering axles, was the best possible solution for manoeuvrability.”
Spec of the FH Tridem includes the 13-litre Euro-6 compliant engine rated at 500hp, Globetrotter cab with leather upholstery and extra locker storage. “It’s effortless to drive,” says Woof. “The driver is away three or four nights a week as we deliver to most of the UK, from Cornwall to Cumbria. The quality of the driving experience in the FH definitely contributes to reducing driver fatigue.”
A E George Haulage operates the FH Tridem both as a drawbar and with just the prime mover, depending on the number of animals to be transported. With an adult pig weighing an average 120kg, a typical load of 125 pigs is equivalent to a 15,000kg payload on the three decks of the impressively specced Pezzaioli bodywork. When in use, the trailer can also carry an additional 100 pigs
The Pezzaioli triple decker bodywork features remote operation of the hydraulically-powered, lifting decks, tail ramp and moveable internal partitions. Three decks of pigs or two decks of cattle can be carried. The bodywork on the Tridem is actually ten years old and was refurbished by A E George in their own workshop.
The road ready, unladen weight of the Tridem prime mover and bodywork is 16,000kg, reports Woof, adding: “That’s only 500kg more than the FH 6×4 rigid it replaced and means we can work with a 16 tonnes payload, as the prime mover is plated for solo operation at 32 tonnes GVW.”
