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Volvo Tridem’s traction and manouverability convinces Wynnstay

17th August 2012 Print
Volvo Tridem

The first new Volvo trucks for twelve years have entered service with the Agriculture division of Wynnstay Group PLC.
 
The company, which has its headquarters in Llansanffraid-ym-Mechain in Powys, manufactures a diverse range of animal feeds for livestock, has added three new Volvo FM11-410 Tridem eight wheelers to its fleet of eighty LGVs.
 
According to Wynnstay Group PLC’s Logistics Manager Zak Edwards: “The 8x4 Tridem configuration with its hydraulically steered, lifting rear axle, provides the benefits of double drive traction together with the manouverability of a six-wheeler and an 18.5 tonnes payload.”
 
The superb manouverability of the FM Tridems, which were supplied by Thomas Hardie Commercials on Deeside, means that they are able to access the tightest of farm delivery points that would not be possible with a conventional 8x2 single drive, four axle rigid or even with a six wheeler, says Zak, adding: “The Volvo FM Tridems replace 6 wheelers but provide 8 wheeler capacity with no loss of the access to farms. The rear lift axle is a big advantage in tight places.”
 
The FMs were specified by Zak with Volvo’s popular D11C410 11-Litre engine which develops 410hp and 1950Nm of torque between 950 and 1400rpm. The durable 11 litre also contributes to the payload friendly unladen weight of the Volvo chassis.
 
Despite their low unladen weight, which is aided by the fitment of aluminium wheels, Wynnstay’s FMs are comprehensively equipped with Globetrotter cabs, cornering lights, extra spot lights and I-Shift gearboxes.
 
“We’ve been specifying automatic gearboxes for about 8 years and have found Volvo’s I-Shift to be about the best,” says Zak, adding that Wynnstay Group PLC have run most types of auto transmission in that time.
 
The company is trialling Volvo’s telematics system Dynafleet on the new Tridems. Zak reports that the Dynafleet app is very easy to use from the I-Pad. “It works well on the bigger screen. I like the fact that you can dip in and out of Dynafleet via the app. The ‘snail trails’ route tracking feature is useful. We deliver to many remote farms and it will be good to know exactly where the trucks are in the winter when the weather can be very bad.”
 
The four compartment bulk blower bodywork is by Wisbech Bulk Systems / Priden Engineering and the Globetrotter cab helps smooth airflow over the top of the body, aiding fuel economy.
 
“Even though we are very conscious of weight, we make no compromise on quality,” says Zak. “Our vehicles have a pretty hard life and we keep them in service for a long time. We take pride in our machinery and we always aim to get the specification right first time. Having said that, we‘re always learning.” He added.

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Volvo Tridem