Making hay? Volvo FH-16 shines for Steve Gilleard

Yorkshire-based hay and straw supplier Steve Gilleard has taken delivery of a new FH16-580 rigid. The highly-specified, platform-bodied drawbar vehicle is the first Volvo in his fleet of three; deciding factors in his choice of the FH16 for this purchase were comfort on long continental trips, superior performance on hilly terrain and competitive pricing.

“The nature of our business often sees us delivering to premises up in the hills,” says Steve, “The torque and horsepower really help – it’s very nice to drive – and it’s no worse in terms of fuel costs than being underpowered. It also makes for a better investment when it comes to resale.”

Steve is personally responsible for the specialist platform body fitted to the truck, which is plated for operation at 44 tonnes. Its 580hp are delivered via a manual gearbox, while its Globetrotter XL cab features Volvo’s Driving+ (which includes leather seats, high-level instrumentation and electronic climate control) and 1 Bed+ (including reclining bunk, reading lights, refrigerator and heater) packages.

Externally Steve specified Visbility+, which offers bi-xenon lamps, cornering lights, headlamp washers and a rain sensor. The truck is also fitted with polished alloy wheels (including the super singles on the tag axle) and a 1300 litre fuel tank. The drawbar coupling is a V-Orlandi unit.

Maintenance will be carried out by supplying Dealer Crossroads at Rotherham on a four-year contract. “I’m delighted with Crossroads,” Steve comments. “They can’t do enough for me.”