Redditch-based Kelly Plant Hire has become the first operator in the UK to put the new Volvo FM into operation in a road sweeper application.
The FORS Gold-accredited fleet has taken delivery of three FM 380 Globetrotter 4×2 rigids riding on rear air-suspension and mounted with Back to Black rear suction sweeper bodywork, from The Bucher Group.
The new FMs made their debut at Silverstone, home of British Motor Racing, which hosted the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix. Kelly Plant Hire fielded six sweepers to support the event, with each of the new trucks benefitting from a full width rear suction vacuum facility and ultra-high-pressure jets for a faster and more efficient ‘back to black’ finish.
Supplied by Rory Kelly, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East’s Coventry depot, the new model FMs have been built on a 4,300mm wheelbase and are packed with innovations that deliver a higher level of comfort, safety and productivity. This includes Volvo’s new digital driver interface, which is designed to simplify the driver’s interactions and minimise distractions when accessing critical information.
Shaun Kelly, Managing Director of Kelly Plant Hire, says: “We love having Volvos on the fleet and we’re excited to be getting some of the first of these new models in the country. You never have an unhappy driver if you give them the keys to a Volvo; our team love them, and these new trucks look absolutely fantastic in our livery and are loaded with kit.”
Kelly Plant Hire says the new machines stand apart from regular road sweepers for their ability to conduct an ultra-high-pressure clean in one pass, penetrating deep into the crevices of the tarmac’s surface in a way that standard road sweepers cannot.
The trucks will predominantly be used to support major infrastructure development projects across the UK, as well as handling specialist jobs such as motorsport and airport work as required. They carry a special livery to reflect the company’s position as a corporate partner for Midlands Air Ambulance – helping to promote the charity’s life-saving work wherever the trucks are operating.
Kelly explains: “Being able to deliver a deep clean in one pass is a huge advantage for our business. Race circuits and airports will often require an intensive clean to be conducted within a short window, which suits these rear-suction machines perfectly.”
Each new Volvo FM benefits from a high specification, including a spacious Globetrotter sleeper cab and four additional option packs, adding key features including armrests on the heated driver’s seat, electrically controlled air-conditioning, parking heater and cornering lights. On-board safety features include Forward Collision Warning with emergency braking and Lane Keeping Support.
The trucks will be fully maintained within the Volvo Trucks dealer network, with three identical FM sweepers on order and expected to enter operation later this year.
