D.A.J. Evans marks golden anniversary with new Volvo FH16

Carmarthenshire’s D.A.J. Evans Ltd. has celebrated fifty years in business with the acquisition of a new Volvo FH16 6x2 tractor unit. The 580hp truck, plated for operation at 44 tonnes GCW, is finished in the company’s distinctive orange livery and will join the rest of the Llandysul-based, all-Volvo fleet in delivering sand and aggregate to customers of all sizes across West Wales.

Alan Evans, who established the company in 1958 as a construction operation on leaving the army, has been running Volvo’s since 1972. “It’s a question of reliability and service,” he says. “I bought the first F86 in Wales back in 1972 and the first Volvo 8-wheeler in West Wales four years later. The FH16 is ideal for operating in our part of the world – it’s very hilly terrain so you need plenty of power and torque as well as a good engine brake, which the FH16 certainly has.”

His son Robert Evans – who, alongside his brother Richard and Alan’s grandson Dafydd, drives for the company – agrees. “I came off a 520hp model onto this truck,” he says. “The 520 was performing well, but the power this delivers is worth, I should say, 4-5mph on steep gradients. And the VEB+ engine brake is majorly effective; I’m very impressed with it.” The truck has rear air suspension, a Globetrotter XL cab with leather interior trim to match the livery and two Kelsa lightbars. “I’m planning to fit a couple more lightbars, including a rear unit!” says Robert.

In addition to the vehicle’s own qualities, the level of service provided by supplying Dealer Mansel Davies & Son at Llanfyrnach was important in the decision to stay with Volvo. “My son Clive maintains our vehicles for us in our own workshop,” explains Alan, “but the parts service we get from Mansel Davies is very good, with parts always available for 8am next day. They’re only 20 minutes away, they’re excellent and a major factor in our continued choice of Volvo.”

Indeed, satisfaction with Volvo throughout the company is such that another truck – this time a Wilcox-bodied FM 480 8x4 tipper – is already being completed for them with delivery expected in early 2009.