First Euro 5 Volvo FL gritters go to Rotherham MBC

The UK‘s first five, new generation Volvo FL Euro 5 gritters have gone into service with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to replace older model gritters in their growing fleet. The FL’s were supplied through fleet outsourcing specialist TransLinc Ltd via Volvo Dealer Crossroads Truck and Bus at Rotherham. This brings the number of Volvo trucks currently operated by Rotherham MBC to twelve - eight of which are gritters.

TransLinc’s Regional Sales Manager Steve Tindall commenting on the new FL’s, said. “The package that Crossroads Truck and Bus were able to put together greatly assisted the council in specifying Volvo. After an in-depth analysis to reduce the council’s overall vehicle carbon footprint, Volvo came out on top with their Euro 5 SCR offering. We have found the service from Crossroads to be outstanding, we get reliable delivery times and Crossroads are conveniently located for the council’s operations. Crossroads even arranged to put an Adblue IBC dispenser on site at the TransLinc maintenance centre.”

The Euro 5, FL-240 18-tonne GVW 4 x 2 vehicles will operate on a seven-year contract-hire with maintenance package provided through TransLinc. The annual mileage is as yet to be determined. However, flexibility has been built into the package to allow for this.

TransLinc are providing the 6 weekly inspections and maintenance through their local workshop, formerly operated by the council. Parts back-up, warranty and specialist repairs and diagnostics will be provided by Crossroads.

Operating within the Rotherham Borough, the highly manoeuvrable Volvo FL gritters will ensure both rural and urban areas are kept open for traffic. Equipped with Econ bodies fitted with low-throw units, these ensure that salt gets spread underneath parked cars and ‘salt bounce’ is reduced for improved coverage. After the completion of in-service trials, the bodies will be equipped with full GPS control for improved efficiencies. The Econ ploughs feature a DIN plate quick-release system which allows the plough to be safely fitted by one person.

Rotherham MBC has been specifying Volvo’s for almost 3 years. The council will also be taking delivery of two 18 tonne Volvo tippers equipped with cranes and a specialist Volvo mobile-library vehicle.