Volvo FH-460 clears the runway with Foster Contracting

In-depth engineering support tipped the balance for Foster Contracting when the Essex-based road and runway maintenance specialists chose a Volvo FH-460 as the foundation for their Osprey 3000 ultra high pressure water jetting unit - the largest of its kind in the world.

The ultra-powerful system is used for removing tyre-rubber deposits from runways and retexturing road surfaces, and the double-drive tractor unit has been heavily modified to support, control and power it.

Of the manufacturers approached to quote for supplying the vehicle, only Volvo – according to Foster Contracting’s Business Development Manager, Ray Wicks - was prepared to visit the company and co-operate on specification. “We met with Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia representatives to discuss our needs; they explained that Volvo could also offer expert technical support for the project. We then met with the Volvo technical team from Warwick, who in turn worked with us and the equipment manufacturer - Jetting Systems Ltd. of Salisbury - throughout the whole project.”

The specification for the highly individual truck began with a bespoke chassis, including a forward frame extension to support the cleaning equipment. A reduction gearbox has also been fitted, enabling the Volvo to crawl at very controlled speeds, while the hydraulic systems are operated via a dual PTO. Power for the URACA KD725 ultra high pressure water pump - which can produce up to 3000bar of water pressure – is provided by a 450bhp auxiliary engine mounted in a rear cabinet.

Meanwhile an engine-mounted dynamo generates a constant 240v for the Osprey’s on-board computer system, which ensures that the cleaner moves in a parallel path to the vehicle as well as rotating to give a very uniform finish to the treated surface.

The single sleeper cab, specified in ‘Fleet’ trim, offers both the additional floor space for the computer unit and, thanks to its lockers, storage space for spill kits and personal protective equipment.

The rig is the largest of its kind in the world, boasting the largest water capacity (18,000 litres), highest available water pressure and 7 hours uninterrupted running, with built in pneumatic full suction recovery. “The Volvo FH we’ve coupled it to,” says Ray, “is the best of its kind too.” It will be maintained by Foster Contracting in its fully equipped workshop in Kelvedon in conjunction with their local Dealer, MC Truck & Bus of Witham, Essex.

Ray anticipates a lifespan of up to 10 years for the vehicle but, he points out, “we try to stay up with the very latest technology, so it may not be that long!” It has already seen action at most major RAF bases, several civil airports and Santa Pod Raceway (where, Ray proudly claims, it holds the world record for the slowest standing quarter mile) and on behalf of customers including Tarmac, Lafarge and Hanson.