A new series Volvo FH16-550, Euro 6-compliant, 6×4 Heavy Haulage tractor unit, plated for STGO CAT 3 operation up to 150-tonnes GCW, has entered service with Manchester and London based Northbank Demolition Company.
The FH16 is the first Heavy Haulage artic to be operated by the company. It is being used to haul the company’s own machines, including the Powerscreen Premier Trak 300 crushing plant and Volvo EC700LC 70 tonne excavator seen in the accompanying photographs. The smartly turned out rig is also available for third party work.
Northbank Demolition Company owner Paul Richards explains that, with business expanding rapidly, a need was identified to take control of delivery performance.
“The efficiency of the business relies on our fleet of plant-hire machines being on site working when required,” he explains, before continuing: “Machines need to be positioned on sites around the country with precision and on time, so we decided to take control and operate our own heavy haulage rig. One that is capable of transporting our largest machines and potentially offering our services to other operators.”
“Northbank Demolition Company has a reputation for offering a reliable, quality service,” adds Paul Richards. “We saw Volvo as being able to provide for our transportation requirements while also promoting an image associated with quality.”
The FH16 is the seventh truck to join the hard working, up-to-date fleet, which includes five Volvo FMX 8×4 tippers – one of which is powered by Volvo’s 13-litre 500hp engine. Four of the FMXs are new-series vehicles and are Euro 6-compliant.
The FMXs, FH16 and the Nooteboom 4-axle low-loader trailer were supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials at Trafford Park.
The trailer is also equipped with Nooteboom’s single axle ‘Jeep-Dolly’. Although not pictured here, this additional axle, which is equipped with its own fifth wheel, helps optimise weight distribution and centre of gravity when operating at higher gross weights.
While the FH16 is on a Volvo Gold Repair & Maintenance contract, the trailer is on a Volvo Blue contract with MOT. The trailer features driver-controlled, ‘radio remote’ steering on all four axles, as an aid to manoeuvring on sites.
Tim Richards is Northbank Demolition Company’s STGO Manager. He points out that the company are members of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) and are also accredited members of the Fleet Operator Registration Scheme (FORS) – a voluntary scheme that promotes and provides training for safety, fuel efficiency, economical operations and vehicle emissions.
Safety equipment on the FH16-550 includes a ‘back-up’ monitor, three cameras and a ‘talking’ left turn alarm (with side view camera) to alert vulnerable road users when manoeuvring.
Unladen weight of the outfit, minus the Jeep-Dolly is 35-tonnes, says Tim. The 3400mm wheelbase tractor unit weighs in at 10-tonnes, including the substantial additional tool lockers which were fitted by SB Components. Twin fuel tanks provide 650 litres of capacity.
Rear suspension is T-Ride 2 multi-leaf. Drive axles are hub-reduction and the rear bogie is rated at 26-tonnes. The FH16 is fitted with a 10-tonne front axle (C&U rating).
Volvo’s 16-litre, D16K550 Euro-6 engine fitted to the Northbank Demolition Company FH16, is rated at 550 hp and drives through a VTO2814B manual gearbox, with splitter and overdrive. The D16K550 delivers 2,800 Nm of torque between 900 and 1350 rpm.
A Volvo gearbox mounted retarder is fitted to the tractor unit. This delivers 3250Nm brake torque and approximately 630Kw of retardation on its own, or 920Kw when blended with the Volvo Engine Brake (VEB+). The Volvo Engine Brake (VEB+) provides 425Kw of retardation on its own.
