Glasgow-based plant hirers and rail engineering specialists, AB2000 have marked their 20th anniversary in business with the arrival of two Volvo FH16-750 flagship tractor units.

AB2000 Volvo FH16-750

Supplied by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, Blantyre, the pair feature I-Shift gearboxes, Globetrotter cabs and 6×4 chassis with hub reduction axles.

Operating to STGO CAT 3 specifications, the pair were ordered with a five-year Volvo Trucks repair and maintenance contract. Vertical exhaust stacks and Dura Bright wheels add to their striking appearance.

Founded by Adam Bruce in 1995, AB2000 currently operates a fleet of ten HGVs where Volvo predominates, eight sweeper trucks, 14 mobile cranes, alongside 240 pieces of plant equipment.

Transport manager Cameron Barr said, “Volvo trucks have always performed well in our fleet, but a previous FH16-580 tractor unit used on heavy haulage operations was an exceptional vehicle. It paved the way for the arrival of these two FH16-750 flagships.”

AB2000 maintains all its equipment in-house and the two new FH16-750s will haul a mixture of low loader and crane ballast transporting trailers.

Scotland’s unpredictable winter weather often requires AB2000 to deliver fast responses to railway line incidents such as landslips and the after-effects of high winds or deep flood water.

“Our client’s area of rail track responsibility stretches as far as Wick in northern Scotland and we can be required to transport heavy equipment to the Highlands at relatively short notice. That is part of the reason we chose the Volvo FH16-750hp, which is the most powerful truck available and these new arrivals deliver the reliability and performance levels that are crucial to our contracts,” added Cameron Barr.

This transport manager acknowledged that it’s not just a good product he is looking for. “Back-up is crucial to AB2000 and during the last four years the service we have received from Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland, Glasgow East at Blantyre has been excellent. Any situation that arises is never perceived as a problem and every box is ticked right away.”

AB2000 also benefit from other Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland strategically-located Dealerpoints in Aberdeen and Inverness, both of which offer a full range of plant and construction services.

Since 2003, AB2000’s headquarters have been located in Cambuslang, south Glasgow. These premises offer excellent motorway access to all points of the compass and the extra space available has permitted AB2000’s engineering and maintenance services to keep pace with an ever-expanding fleet.