I’Anson Bros Ltd take their first Volvo FM Tridem

Masham-based I’Anson Bros Ltd have taken a Volvo 8x4 tridem which is delivering to their Animal Feed customers on three vital fronts for them; payload, traction and access.

Their new Volvo FM tridem, supplied by Volvo Dealer Crossroads, is an 8x4 chassis with a three-axle, air suspended bogie at the rear. The two drive axles have twin tyres, with singles on the rearmost steering axle.

I’Anson’s Transport Manager, Richard Mawer explains his strategy. “We run nine bulk blowers on animal feed delivery and there are limitations with all of them, whichever way you slice it. The four-axle trucks cannot deliver into some farms with difficult access and the six-wheelers have been replaced as they were down on payload.”

He added, we run two articulated trailers and have one 8x2 rear steer, but they are down on traction. One drive axle just isn’t enough for our operation.”

Richard took delivery of the new Volvo tridem and immediately sent it out on one of their most difficult drops, in icy conditions. Richard said,”I was delighted. The driver reported good traction and it did the job, delivering top payload in tough conditions.”

The new Volvo tridem is fitted with Priden blower bodywork and it will add an extra 35 tonnes a week to I’Anson’s current three-axle truck performance, which will reduce fuel costs and improve our carbon footprint. It will also be able to work all their drops, giving them ultimate flexibility.

Richard Mawer concluded, “We deliver into farms all across the Yorkshire Dales, Northumberland and the north of England as far as Whitby and Penrith. “Knowing that the FM tridem can cover any of our drops with top productivity, gives me the best of all worlds.”