Established Volvo trucks customer, Nicol of Skene has added a second flagship Volvo FH16-750 tractor unit to its operation. The new arrival joins a fleet that includes a number of high specification Volvo trucks.

Supplied by Richard Cochrane, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North and Scotland’s Aberdeen Dealerpoint, the FH16-750 6×4 tractor unit was specified with an I-Shift Crawler automated gearbox and Volvo’s Tandem Axle Lift.

Volvo’s I-Shift Crawler gearboxes give a choice of one or two crawler gears, plus the additional option of extra reverse gears. The Tandem Axle Lift is ideal if a truck is driven heavily loaded in one direction and empty in the other, as by disengaging and raising the axle when not required, a four per cent reduction in fuel consumption can be achieved.

Nicol of Skene also opted for Volvo’s Globetrotter cab, which features the company’s unique silver, blue and red livery with the cab sides dominated by a large stylised thistle design. This logo has been used since company founder; Derek Nicol bought his first construction machine after leaving school. Volvo’s construction equipment and truck ranges have played a key role in Derek’s business progress since.

Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels and extra driving lights provide the finishing touches for the latest FH16-750, which will be deployed on low loader and tipping trailer operations. Volvo’s strong fleet presence within the Nicol of Skene operation includes tractor units and rigid chassis that are complemented by three unusual FMX-500 6×6 models. The trio are used to assist with specialist directional drilling operations.

“Our association with Volvo trucks stretches back to the FL7 and FL10 ranges and further still on the construction side. The latter business invited me to Korea a few years ago, to help design a five-tonne machine. Volvo trucks build a good, robust all round product and I find its Aberdeen Dealerpoint a very approachable business,” reports Derek Nicol, Chief Executive, Nicol of Skene.