GF JOB HAS CONTINUED ITS TRANSITION TO VOLVO TRUCKS WITH THE ARRIVAL OF A NEW RANGE-TOPPING VOLVO FH16 780 GLOBETROTTER XL 6×4 150-TONNE TRACTOR UNIT.
The Highlands-based civil engineering and heavy haulage company is converting its entire articulated truck fleet to the Swedish manufacturer. It’s appreciation of the Volvo product began in 2012 with a FH16 750, that will now be put into semi-retirement after 13 years of loyal service.
Drew MacLean, Haulage Director at GF Job, says: “Up until that first Volvo we ran with a different manufacturer, but once we took that truck on we never looked back. It’s a fantastic product. That first 750 is staying with me and will be used at truck shows – it’s the only one of its kind remaining in Scotland I believe, so it’s pretty special. The new 780 is bedding in very well. The torque and performance of the 750 was good, but this one is even better. It comes into a hill and just coasts up to the top of it – it’s very impressive power.”
GF Job will use its new flagship 150-tonne tractor unit for a range of heavy haulage duties – including transporting the company’s own plant machinery, forestry work, plus a variety of specialist loads including drilling rigs, wind turbines and oil refinery machinery.
Supplied by Kevin Fraser, Transport Solutions Executive at Volvo Truck and Bus North & Scotland, the FH16 is equipped with a top-of-the-range 17-litre Euro 6-compliant step E engine which provides 780 hp and a peak torque of 3,800 Nm. Volvo’s innovative patented wave piston design optimises combustion and reduces emissions, with a new injection system ensuring optimal fuel economy.
The engine brake power across the entire speed range has been greatly improved too with outstanding responsiveness. This enables fast gearshifts, resulting in less wear and tear on the brake pads and discs, while also being more efficient when travelling downhill.
Power is driven via a 12-speed I-Shift transmission, with heavy duty crawler gears to maximise startability and reduce clutch wear. GF Job has opted for full air suspension which improves stability on the road and enhances comfort for the driver.
Inside the Globetrotter XL cab, the spacious working environment is benefitted with a full Living package with two beds, under bunk fridge/freezer and microwave oven. The truck features a full leather Black Edition interior, including rotating passenger swivel seat.
Liveried in GF Job’s distinctive black and yellow colours, the exterior is enhanced with Michelin X Multi tyres, Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, factory sideskirts and Kelsa lightbars.
“The team at Volvo Truck & Bus Centre North & Scotland have done a great job as always,” adds MacLean. “I have a good relationship with them and the level of service we get is spot on. I know that if there ever is a problem I can speak to them quickly and get things resolved, that’s so important and another reason why we stick with Volvo now.”
Expected to clock up to 120,000 km per year, the FH16 780 is covered by a full Volvo Gold contract, for maximum peace of mind. All servicing and maintenance work is carried out at Volvo Truck and Bus North & Scotland’s Inverness depot.
Headquartered in Nairn, GF Job was established by owner Gerry Job in 1990. Originally its core work was civil engineering and earthworks, but it has expanded its haulage division rapidly in recent years and today operates 16 commercial vehicles, including six heavy haulage tractor units and two 44-tonne trucks.
