Heavy Haulage Volvo FH16 joins HJB Plant Hire’s fleet

HJB Plant Hire has taken delivery of a Volvo FH16 750 8×4 tractor unit, following the sterling reliability, performance and comfort levels seen in an equivalent 2017 model it replaces in the customer’s fleet. Supplied by Damian Kerin, New Sales Executive, Dennison Commercials, the truck – plated for up to 180-tonne operation – joins the firm’s busy operations in Northern Ireland. It will be paired with a new five-axle Faymonville low loader trailer, featuring a beavertail ramp, to transport equipment to construction sites across the UK and Ireland.

Gareth Dugan, Transport Manager, HJB Plant Hire, says: “Our business success depends on having the right equipment for the job, and that extends to our choice of trucks. The Volvo FH16 750 ticks all the boxes – it’s a powerful, reliable workhorse which our chosen driver enjoys working in. The combination of performance and driver comfort made it the perfect choice for our fleet upgrade.

“The competitive pricing was also attractive, but ultimately it was Volvo’s reputation for quality that sealed the deal. Our previous experience with Volvo equipment has always been positive, so we were confident in our decision.” Powered by a Euro-6 D16K Step E engine, the FH16 delivers an impressive 750 hp and a peak torque of 3,550 Nm.

This is paired with an automated 12-speed I-Shift gearbox, featuring optimised heavy duty and off-road software, to maximise fuel economy. Given the truck’s heavy workload, HJB Plant Hire has also opted to equip its new arrival with one Crawler and one Ultra-Low Crawler gear, a move that could reduce clutch wear by up to 75 per cent. Volvo Dynamic Steering – an ultra-responsive system designed to reduce driver steering force by up to 85 per cent – is also onboard.

The vehicle’s impressive technical prowess is more than matched by its internal spec, with the FH16 mounted with a spacious Globetrotter XL cab fitted with a Drive+ package to add side sun visors, electrically controlled air conditioning and an electrically operated interior sun blind. These additions are complemented by a two person Living+ package which includes two bottle holders, a 33-litre fridge/freezer and a 1.8kW cab parking heater; a Media package with navigation including a 12-inch fully dynamic instrument cluster with a secondary colour display and DAB radio; plus leather upholstery and a heated, ventilated and suspended driver’s seat. “Our driver says comfort and the overall driving experience are superior in every way compared to his previous FH16, which had already set a high bar!” adds Dugan. “He spends long days in the cab, often covering more than 1,500 km per week completing demanding work, so having a comfortable and well-equipped working environment makes a significant difference.

The cab specification we chose ensures he has everything needed for those longer days.” To boost driving safety, the truck also benefits from Forward Collision Warning with Advanced Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Support systems. Volvo’s Visibility++ pack completes the build, adding distinctive V-shaped LED headlights, which automatically adapt to ambient light conditions, rain sensing windscreen wipers and electrically heated rear-view mirrors.

The new FH16 is backed by a Volvo Gold Contract, delivering full cost control, worry-free ownership and maximum uptime by covering all repairs and wear and tear while also enabling preventative maintenance and 24/7 real time monitoring of critical components.

The vehicle is expected to remain in the HJB Plant Hire fleet for three to five years, clocking up in the region of 80,000 km annually.