Readypower Rail Services has recently taken delivery of seven, heavy haulage, Volvo tractor units from Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London’s brand-new Banbury dealerpoint.
The new group were supplied by Dave Sheldon, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus Centre London and consist of five Volvo FMXs in addition to two Volvo FH chassis. All of the new arrivals feature ‘Globetrotter’ cabs on 6×2 tag axle chassis; Volvo D13K engines producing 540hp and 12-speed I-Shift automated manual transmission systems.
Readypower Rail Services also opted for air suspended front axles, factory painted Signal Yellow cabs and five year Volvo Gold Service Contracts for the entire group. Operating exclusively on own account work and hauling semi low loader Andover trailers with rear steer and lift axles, the seven new Volvos will be used to transport specialised rail maintenance equipment all over the UK. One of the FH tractor units and two of the FMXs are plated for 80-tonne operations, whilst the remainder will work at 65-tonnes gross vehicle weight.
“We chose Volvo’s tag axle chassis for easy manoeuvrability in restricted space railways good yards. With lower cabs and improved visibility levels for vulnerable road users, the FMXs were also selected with the forthcoming Direct Vision Standards in mind, as we frequently work in and around London,” notes Tony Buckland, Transport Manager at Readypower Rail Services.
Tony adds, “Volvo Trucks have an established presence within Readypower Rail Services fleet, which encompasses vehicle sizes from 18 to 80-tonnes. About 99 per cent of our total business is connected to rail services and some of the new Volvos will be double-shifted.”
The 3,400mm wheelbase Volvo FMX tractor units are equipped with vertical exhaust stacks, 7.5-tonne front axles and Jost JSK37 cast iron fifth wheels. The two FHs feature 3,700mm wheelbases, 9.5 tonne front axles and interior 2 Bed Resting Packages. Visual Sign Solutions in Reading supplied the company’s distinctive livery graphics.