Ashcourt Contracts of Kingston-upon-Hull has taken delivery of a flagship Volvo FH16-750 6×4 Heavy Haulage tractor unit and a 500hp Volvo FH 8×4 Tridem. The latter is equipped with a front-mounted Effer-685, eight section telescopic crane.

The two trucks represent another step in the company’s extraordinary expansion that will see it operating a 70-strong fleet by the end of this year. The FH16-750 is arguably one of the highest specification trucks to leave the Crossroads Truck and Bus dealership in Hull. It is STGO CAT 3 rated for operation at up to 180-tonnes GCW and features I-Shift Crawler Gears, a heavy duty front bumper, a 10-tonne capacity front axle and air suspended drive axles.

“Image is important,” says Ashcourt Contracts Head of Aggregates and Transport, John Bradshaw. “The Volvo FH16-750 absolutely looks the part. As a truck it really stands out and helps us stand out too.”

Inside the cab, the air-suspended leather upholstered driver’s seat with arm rests is heated and vented. When it comes to home comforts, as well as the double bunk there’s also a coffee maker, microwave and TV. The company has also elected to have the new Volvo Media Package infotainment system installed, which includes a TomTom-powered Sat Nav, DAB radio and Spotify access.

The Volvo FH 8×4 Tridem is no less impressive. The 13-litre engine is rated at 500hp and produces up to 2500Nm of torque at between just 1000 and 1400rpm. The cheese wedge bodywork by Martin Williams (Hull) has a drawbar coupling and the sleeper cab has a low roof line in order to accommodate the front mounted Effer-685 crane, which can lift up to 18,380kg at 2.92metres and 2,072kg when fully-extended at 20.62metres. “This new Volvo FH with crane is ideal for the transportation of portacabins, containers and our smaller construction plant such as generators,” says John Bradshaw.

As with the Volvo FH16-750, the FH 8×4 Tridem has a 10-tonne capacity front axle, leather upholstery, I-Shift automated transmission, Kelsa light bars and Alcoa Dura-bright rims.

“I feel both these vehicles, but particularly the FH16-750, make a real statement about us as they represent the crème-de-la-crème,” says John Bradshaw. “Ever since we started out we have invested heavily in both plant and on-highway trucks in order to curb our reliance on others. Through this approach, we are demonstrating our commitment to a company philosophy that sees us offer a fully-integrated construction solution across all spheres of operation.”

Operations for Ashcourt Contracts cover a diverse range of activities across a portfolio of entities including businesses in property, construction, civil engineering, quarrying, ready-mix concrete, plant hire and haulage. “Customers today are seeking a contractor that can deliver the complete package, from pre-planning right through to completion,” says John Bradshaw.

“Despite only being established in 2009, we have grown significantly over the past seven years, and especially so in the last 24 months, and through our strategic locations, our staff and our investment strategy the company in 2017 is ideally placed to meet those customer expectations,” he adds.

The support given to Ashcourt Contracts by Volvo and the Crossroads dealership has certainly played a role in the Group’s success according to John. “In part we have arrived at this point thanks to the great range of products manufactured by Volvo; products that fit our needs, that are fuel efficient, hold excellent residual value and stand out from the crowd. Furthermore, Crossroads Truck and Bus in Hull has assisted us every step of the way and we’re happy for that to continue.” To this end, both new trucks are covered by 3-year Gold R&M contracts.