Plantforce adds Volvo FL and ultra-versatile FM to fleet

Leeds-based plant haulier Plantforce has added a brace of versatile Volvo rigids in the guise of a beavertail bodied 6x2 rear-steer FL and a Globetrotter cabbed FM-420 8x4 to the company’s fleet of four specialist trucks. Both feature heavy-duty and very detailed specifications, put together by Plantforce Director Keith Walker and Volvo Dealer Crossroads Truck and Bus, who supplied both vehicles.

Acquisition of the FL and the FM means that the Plantforce fleet, which also includes an 05 registered Volvo FH12-460 6x2 artic, can handle loads that range in size from Scarab pavement sweepers or small Bomag road-rollers, to 360 degree tracked excavators, wheeled loaders, mobile generator sets and even 40 foot containers as the Volvo FM’s bodywork is fitted with twistlocks.

Unusually, the FM’s body also has cut-outs for upright bolsters to facilitate the carrying of loads such as scaffolding poles or long lengths of flexi-pipe. The FM’s versatility is further emphasised by the infra-red remote controlled Palfinger PK 42502, 42.5 tonne /metre crane, which is mounted over the truck’s second steer axle. This can lift 4.5 tonnes at its full 10 metre reach and boasts a 400 degree slew. It is capable of lifting 3.5 tonne loads over the front of the cab – making it ideal for delivering or moving typical site cabins.

The 6.0 metre wheelbase, 32 tonne GVW FM’s heavy-duty beavertail body with full-width loading ramp was built by Forshaw Engineering in Darwen, Lancashire.

Coping with on-site deliveries is not a problem for the FM, says Keith, as the chassis is equipped with remote controlled rear air-suspension plus cross and diff-locks. "With the combination of the Volvo rigids and the FH tractor unit, which is coupled to a brand-new King GTS44/3 low loader, we can haul anything from site cabins to trenching equipment. We can even transport boats."

Plated at 23 tonnes GVW, the 06 registered, 4.6 metre wheelbase FL-220 tares out at 10,500 kgs thus allowing a 12,500 kg payload. In addition to the Volvo factory-fitted, self tracking rear-axle, the FL’s specification includes a 14 tonne pull recovery winch with infra-red remote control, rear-view camera with flat-screen colour monitor, air-suspension (which can be raised or lowered independently) on all axles and a ‘cheese-wedge’ design rear of body with one-piece ramp to facilitate easy loading of three-wheeled fork trucks and narrow-track plant.

The low-profile 295/65 tyres helps maintain a low deck height on the bodywork which was constructed by Aire Truck Bodies of Sherburn in Elmet and features a heavy-duty 35 mm deep hardwood floor. In common with the FM, the FL’s body floor is underlaid with steel for maximum durability.

"We don’t like turning customers down," says Keith, "we need versatile equipment and the Volvo’s are more than exceeding all our expectations."