PERFECT: Volvos are most reliable, say Elliotts
‘Almost perfect’ reliability and a long-term, profitable relationship with their local dealer has seen Cheltenham-based Elliotts elect for two new Volvo FM 8×4 tippers.
The company, who already run Volvo eight-wheelers in their 18-strong fleet, purchased the 11-litre, 410hp FMs from Truck and Bus Wales & West.
Featuring the fully-automated Volvo I-Shift gearbox, the vehicles had their bodywork supplied by Wilcox and single ram, front-mounted DX-16 tipping gear by Edbro.
The latest tippers join a fleet of other trucks ranging in weight from 12tonnes to 32tonnes gross.
Elliotts source sand, gravel and other aggregate products from their own quarries in addition to carrying out muck-away jobs.
Nick Elliott, Managing Director of Elliotts, said: “The two new Volvos will be employed hauling sand and gravel only.
“For this reason we were able to specify a Wilcolite heavy-duty alloy body and were delighted to discover that the vehicles provide us with an excellent payload of 20.5-tonnes without needing to invest in light-weight aluminium wheels.
“This was a totally unexpected bonus.”
The Volvo trucks in the fleet form the backbone of the operation, and Mr Elliott expects better fuel figures and total reliability from the latest eight-wheelers.
Both vehicles will be serviced under contract at the Truck and Bus Wales & West workshops in Gloucester.
“Ours is a well-established family business with traditional values and a keen sense of value for money,” added Mr Elliott.
“In all respects the Volvo meets our expectations perfectly.”
