When it came time for owner-operator David Boylan to purchase a new truck for delivering sand, pebbles, and crushed stone throughout Leinster, performance, driver comfort, and safety were among his top priorities. To that end, Boylan specified a Volvo FH 540 Globetrotter 6x4 tractor unit with numerous options, including Volvo’s Drive++ package and Visibility+ pack. Based in Blessington in County Wicklow, Boylan runs the FH 540 in combination with a Schmitz Cargobull tri-axle tipping trailer six days weekly while covering 120,000 kilometres (74,564 miles) annually.
“Getting the best bang for your buck is vital in today’s climate, so when it came to ordering a new truck, Volvo was the No. 1 choice,” says Boylan. “The FH is already putting in strong performances day to day, and the fuel economy gains we’ve seen vs. the older truck it replaced have certainly helped our bottom line. I couldn’t be happier.”
The Volvo FH 540
Boylan’s FH 540 is powered by Volvo’s 540-horsepower Volvo D13K Euro 6-compliant engine, which generates 2,600 newton-metres (1,917 pounds-foot) of torque. The truck’s 12-speed automated I-Shift gearbox constantly evaluates speed, weight, road grade, and torque demand in order to automatically adjust shifting, resulting in smooth, fuel-efficient performance. The truck’s Volvo Engine Brake technology enhances safety while reducing wear on the brakes.
The aforementioned Drive++ package includes an electrically operated interior sun visor, extended leather upholstery, and fully electronic air conditioning with an air quality sensor and carbon filter. Boylan and his passengers also benefit from twin armrests on the driver and passenger seats, and he has access to a Media package with navigation. The safety-enhancing Visibility+ pack includes features like rain-sensing windscreen wipers and electrically heated rearview mirrors, as well as V-shaped LED headlights that automatically adjust to ambient light conditions.
Safe Navigation
Boylan says the different environments in which he operates the truck can prove difficult to navigate, thus it was imperative to make maximum visibility a top priority when specifying the truck with Jim Bergin of Irish Commercials.
“The Globetrotter cab was a must-have for that very reason,” Boylan says. “It’s spacious and affords the driver great visibility, which helps take a huge weight off his shoulders, while the additional intelligent safety technology onboard adds another vital layer of protection.”
Find Volvo Trucks
You’ll find a large selection of new and used Volvo trucks for sale on Truck Locator, including FH tractors and rigids like the FH 540.
Source: Volvo