Longcliffe Quarries has added three Volvo FH Aero 6×2 tractor units to support growing customer demand and assess further fuel savings.

Hartshorne Group supplied the vehicles through area sales manager Tom Hulse. They join an exclusively Volvo commercial vehicle fleet, which Longcliffe reports comprises 52 trucks.

The Derbyshire-based calcium carbonate supplier expects each new tractor to cover approximately 129,000km annually. They will work up to seven days a week, hauling heavy powder tankers.

Longcliffe already uses Volvo Connect to monitor its vehicles and develop driver training programmes. The company reports that its standard FH tractors regularly achieve fuel consumption below approximately 28.2 litres/100km, despite the demanding application.

It now wants to establish how the Aero’s revised design and driveline technology compare in its operation.

Driver training supports fuel economy

James Hopkinson, head of transport at Longcliffe, said: “We find Volvo Connect a great tool to support the drivers.”

He explained that information from the system helps the company create specific training programmes, improving fuel economy across its fleet.

“With the new aerodynamic design of the FH Aero, and the latest technologies improving efficiency further, we are excited to see how much more fuel economy we can unlock from these latest units,” he added.

The existing FH figures provide a reference for that assessment. Longcliffe has not yet reported fuel consumption results for the three new tractors.

Its approach combines vehicle specification with driver development. The fleet management data helps identify where individual drivers could benefit from additional support.

That matters in a tanker operation where heavy loads and intensive use place sustained demands on the vehicles.

Turbo-compound engines and predictive cruise control

Each Volvo FH Aero features a Euro 6-compliant D13TC Step E engine, producing 500hp and peak torque of 2,800Nm.

The engine uses turbo-compounding technology to recover energy from exhaust gases. An additional turbine downstream of the turbocharger converts that energy into mechanical drive, adding torque at the crankshaft.

The engines work with Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift automated gearbox and I-See predictive cruise control.

I-See helps the truck manage hills and gradients, supporting higher-gear operation where conditions allow. The system aims to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining progress.

Together, the aerodynamic cab design, engine technology and predictive control systems give Longcliffe several areas to assess during everyday tanker work.

The three vehicles increase capacity rather than replace existing trucks. Their arrival allows the business to meet additional demand while evaluating the latest specification.

Globetrotter cabs for longer deliveries

Longcliffe specified Globetrotter cabs to accommodate occasional nights away, including deliveries to Scotland and Cornwall.

Equipment includes a leather steering wheel with adjustment and neck tilt, an under-bunk fridge/freezer, navigation and a full media package.

The sleeper specification adds a foam mattress and Volvo’s Sleeper Control Panel. Drivers can manage cabin temperature, lighting and audio from the bunk.

“Some of our vehicles will be out overnight, particularly on distance deliveries to destinations like Scotland and Cornwall, so we need our staff to be as comfortable as possible,” said Hopkinson.

“The drivers in the new Aeros absolutely love them.”

The cab equipment reflects an operation combining regular tanker movements with longer-distance deliveries. Driver accommodation therefore formed part of the specification alongside fuel efficiency.

Longcliffe has supplied high-purity calcium carbonate products from its Derbyshire quarries for almost a century.

The business produces around 100 limestone products for customers across animal feed, pet food, glassmaking and construction.

Hartshorne Group provides Volvo truck sales, parts and servicing support. Volvo Trucks forms part of the Volvo Group, supplying medium- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles through an international dealer network.

For Longcliffe, the Volvo FH Aero additions bring extra transport capacity and an opportunity to build on its existing fuel-efficiency work.

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