Stockport-based Arnold Plant Hire has replaced an older six-wheeler in its fleet with a new Volvo FH 420 Globetrotter 8×2 rigid, featuring an electro-hydraulic steered rear axle to maximise manoeuvrability when delivering to sites with limited access.
The truck’s arrival completes a Volvo hat-trick for Arnold Plant Hire, with the new FH replacing a competitor marque and joining two existing Volvo tractor units within the company’s three-strong truck fleet.
Supplied by Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, the vehicle has been mounted with a Sterling GP plant body with beavertail, plus a winch for loading and unloading plant. It also benefits from a full working at height system along both sides of the vehicle, plus air horns and beacons mounted to the cab roof.
Driver comfort and convenience were both major considerations for the customer, which selected a Globetrotter cab offering premium levels of space, along with a single bunk, satellite navigation, fridge-freezer, leather trim, TV preparation and a factory-fitted microwave – ensuring the driver can enjoy a hot meal at any destination.
Jason Caudwell, Plant Manager at Arnold Plant Hire, says: “The new Volvo FH ticks all the boxes; our drivers work incredibly hard, so looking after them and giving them great trucks is really important for us as a business.
“They typically have a few nights away each month, but it’s also about the time spent on site waiting to deliver plant, as well as taking rest breaks. By choosing the FH Globetrotter cab, we can be confident we are giving them a great environment to work and relax in, no matter where they have to deliver to.”
Arnold Plant Hire is using the truck to support a growing fleet of more than 200 items of plant and machinery, which is predominantly hired for operation within the construction, recycling and waste sectors, as well as in support of general industry.
It has been supplied on a comprehensive five-year Volvo Gold Contract which will see all maintenance taking place at the dealer’s Trafford Park depot. This includes all preventive maintenance and truck repairs – giving the customer full cost control and worry-free ownership.
This latest truck to join the fleet will carry plant up to and including 14-tonne excavators, and is expected to cover approximately 40,000 miles per annum.
