FH16-580 tractor and FM-400 tippers for Central Tipper Hire

Birmingham-based Central Tipper Hire have added three new Volvo’s to their fleet: An FH16-580 6X4 tractor unit plated at 150 tonnes GCW and two FM-400 8X4 tippers plated at 32,000kgs.

Staunch Volvo customers, almost since their foundation 10 years ago, Central will use the trucks on contracts for major construction sector players such as M V Kelly Ltd, M Lambe Construction Ltd and McDermott Building & Civil Engineering Ltd.

“I got my first Volvo around nine years ago,” recalls owner Declan Doorly. “It was an old F12, and it was such a good worker, it just never broke!” His Volvo fleet now includes 9 tippers and a grab-truck and, in addition to the two new 8x4 tippers, two more are on order and will join the fleet later this year.

The FH16-580 is equipped with the Globetrotter XL cab - reflecting its high-profile role in moving heavy plant nationwide. “The driver loves it,” reports Declan, “the way it pulls, everything - just loves it.” Its 580 bhp are delivered via a 14-speed manual gearbox and it is usually coupled to a Nooteboom 4-axle stepframe trailer.

By way of contrast, the FM-400’s are on muckaway work, for which they are equipped with Thompson steel bodies and Edbro tipping gear. Their day-cabs are also in ‘Comfort’ trim with climate control and according to Declan, “they’re doing a very good job and we have two more on order.”

Says Declan; “We handle repair and maintenance in our own workshop and we get excellent parts backup and support from Hartshorne. They have a very sound technical knowledge of the needs of the heavy haulage industry.”