New dynamic duo are Carmac’s first Volvo trucks

Resplendent in Ferrari red, two new yet very different Volvo trucks have entered service with East Midland civil engineering and plant hire company Carmac Limited.

Bought to replace another eight-wheeler, the FM 380bhp 9-litre 8x4 offers excellent on-site ground clearance, riding high on Volvo’s rugged B-ride two spring bogie suspension and is fitted with a Thompson muck away body.

Specified with a Day cab in ‘Comfort’ trim, the interior combines comfort and practicality having easy-to-clean surfaces with visibility optimised by specifying two heated wide-angle mirrors on both sides and a reversing camera.

In a new venture Carmac’s other Volvo is an FH 6x4 tractor coupled to a king step frame trailer bought to transport the companies own plant around the UK increasing flexibility and reducing the need for a third party haulier.

Providing the grunt up front is Volvo’s new 12.8 litre engine producing 480 bhp, with eight-bag air suspension. Running under STGO CAT 2, the outfit is plated for 60 tonnes. Fitted with a V2514 14-speed range & splitter gearbox, the vehicle has a ‘Globetrotter’ cab in ‘Prestige’ trim with RDS radio/Cd fitted.

To aid navigation a TomTom 300 satellite system is being used and the FH is protected by a Thatcham approved H2 immobiliser. In line with Carmac’s security policy an Enigma tracker is fitted to both Volvos, which have been supplied with R&M packages by Volvo Truck and Bus Centre Midlands.

Based in Finedon, near Wellingborough, the two vehicles are the first Volvo trucks the Company has ever purchased and are currently working on large projects at Magna Park in Leicestershire.