Collins Earthworks of Kirkby-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire recently purchased a new Volvo 8x4 FH16-750 Globetrotter XL tractor unit for heavy haulage applications. It features an ATO 3512F I-Shift Crawler transmission with Ultra Low and Crawler gears as well as a Tridem prime chassis mover with Dynamic Steering and more. Collins bought the truck from Kevan Morris at Hartshorne Motor Services, Ltd., in Alfreton.
"We enjoy brilliant service levels from Hartshorne," says Matt Smith, low load manager at Collins Earthworks. "I've known service manager Richard Williams on a personal level for many years and our working partnership is first class. We use out-of-hours servicing to maximise operational and profitability levels, with the tractor units hauling low loaders usually serviced on Friday afternoons, making them ready for work on Saturday mornings."
Factory & Aftermarket Features
In addition to their new truck’s standard features, Collins Earthworks opted for some extras, including the Volvo Sturdy Front towing device, the Drive plus+ and FH Construction Visibility package, and a Globetrotter XL cab, which features leather seats, satellite navigation, and twin bunk beds. Then the company went to aftermarket specialists Estepe to add lockers, a catwalk, a fuel tank, and a pullout step. This FH16-750 also features LED work lights, additional light bars, solid-colour side deflectors, and more. Lant Lane Ltd. in Matlock supplied the light bars and some of the truck’s custom paint.
"We were gifted, or should I say wrangled, the demonstration vehicle for a day, then two months later we used it for a full fortnight,” says Matt Smith, low load manager at Collins Earthworks. “That really sold the big Volvo to us and this newcomer won't be the last FH16-750 8x4 tractor unit we have.”