Chippenham-based MT Barnsley Ltd has taken delivery of two all-new Volvo FH tractor units which, according to company MD Mike Barnsley, were specified as soon as the Swedish manufacturer’s order books were opened. Spec’d to work in conjunction with the company’s 70 cubic yard bulk trailers, the new 6×2 tractors feature Globetrotter XL cabs and are powered by the 13-litre Volvo diesel rated at 500 bhp. The Swedish company’s I-Shift automated gearbox was also requested.
“Perhaps it’s a coincidence but, although we have nearly 20 vehicles in the fleet, the acquisition of the first of the new pair increases the number of maximum capacity artics to 13 – and that has to be lucky for us,” said Mike Barnsley. “And the 13-litre Volvo diesel, especially the 500, comes with an awesome reputation for performance and economy.
“Our Volvo trucks have done us proud for almost 30 years, and we believe the latest version will exceed our expectations by a comfortable margin.”
The spacious XL cabs incorporate many useful driver amenities, such as full leather trim, under-bunk refrigerator and integral cab phone. In addition, a complete cab and chassis makeover was carried out by Tor Trucks to ensure continuity with the traditional, yet distinctive Barnsley livery.
Supplied by the Avonmouth-based dealer Truck and Bus Wales & West, the new 4.1 m wheelbase Volvos were retrofitted with a PTO and pump and chassis-mounted hydraulic oil tank. The Rothdean tri-axle tipping trailers are designed to carry bulk commodities such as aggregates and scrap metal.
