Oxford-based Smith & Sons (Bletchington) has acquired a new batch of five Volvo FMX tippers, following the impressive fuel economy the customer has witnessed in similar vehicles delivered in 2022.
Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East, the latest arrivals consist of three FMX 420 8×4 and two FMX 330 6×4 trucks, all fitted with Charlton SuperLite bodywork.
They will deliver sand, gravel and stone to customer sites daily, with the trucks working out of the business’ various quarries in Oxfordshire.
The haulier has also opted for Volvo’s X-High chassis to unlock additional ground clearance.
All five feature a Euro-VI compliant Step E engine, with the 8x4s’ D13K powertrains each producing 420 hp and a peak torque of 2,100 Nm compared to the 6x4s’ D11K engines which generate 330 hp and 1,600 Nm.
They are all equipped with 12-speed I-Shift transmissions.
Safety is boosted through Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency braking and Side Collision Avoidance Support systems, while visibility is aided through electrically heated and operated mirrors and headlights, which adapt automatically according to ambient light conditions.
The new trucks are all backed by Volvo Gold Contracts, and each is expected to cover up to 75,000 km annually, remaining in the fleet for up to eight years.
Paul Needle, Fleet Manager, Smith and Sons (Bletchington), said: “We opted for Volvo two years ago due to its reputation for reliability and driving performance.
“Not only has the FMX delivered on those promises, but it has also yielded impressive fuel efficiency.”
