The latest addition to the fleet of Dudley-based, international heavy-haulage operator TDR Transport Services Ltd, is the company’s first 200 tonne GCW Volvo FH16-660, 8 x 4 tractor unit.

Purchased as an additional vehicle to cope with growing demand for the family-owned business’s specialist heavy-haulage services, the FH16-660 - which joins a 15-strong fleet - was supplied by Volvo Dealer Hartshorne Motor Services in Walsall.

Richard Rollinson, joint Managing Director TDR Transport Services Ltd is delighted with the performance of the FH16-660. ”We broke with tradition and went for our first Volvo 8x4 heavy-hauler. It’s got tremendous low-speed torque and the driver loves it. The Volvo Geartronic automatic gearbox is great for the driver as he can concentrate on the driving and manoeuvring safely, and it has already proven itself pulling loads up to 150 tonnes gross out of quarries with ease. Overall the truck is performing well without a second thought. The 8x4 configuration is also ideal as it reduces the chance of axle overloads.”

He added, “As it’s plated at 200 tonnes, it enables us to stay well inside of the gross design weight, thus giving us greater operational flexibility. When we order more tractor units, we will be looking very favourably at Volvo.”
The tractor unit usually operates at a maximum of 150 tonnes GCW with a Nooteboom 5 axle low loader with a two axle inter-dolly although it has the potential to operate at 200 tonnes GCW. 

Operating in the UK and internationally in Germany, Ireland and Holland, the FH16-660 hauls construction plant, earthmoving equipment, piling rigs, recycling machines and associated plant.

Operating on a single shift with a dedicated driver and covering up to 90,000 kms per year, the FH16-660 is on a full R&M contract with servicing being carried out by Hartshorne Motor Services.