Volvo FH-520 joins Saunders Recovery’s heavy brigade
High Wycombe’s Saunders Recovery has taken delivery of one of the largest Volvo recovery vehicles ever seen on UK roads. The FH-520 is an 8x4 rigid with an added fifth axle and a wide range of specialist equipment including a rotating crane and an under-reach unit. The chassis was supplied by Volvo Dealer, Hartshorne Potteries, while the bodywork and equipment were installed by Boniface Engineering.
“I believe it’s the biggest Volvo recovery vehicle built,” says owner John Saunders of his new flagship. The basic truck is an FH-520 rigid with a 13-litre Euro-5 engine driving a manual 14-speed splitter gearbox. Its T-ride suspension and hub reduction drive axles have been particularly specified for LGV recovery work while its ‘Prestige’-trim Globetrotter cab offers excellent driver comfort.
Volvo has always been John’s first choice as a basis for heavy recovery vehicles. “We’ve always used Volvo for the heavy stuff,” he says. “They’re good trucks and we have quite a few on the fleet. They’re hard-working, well-built and very reliable indeed.”
The finished truck - in its distinctive bright yellow livery - is plated at 150 tonnes GTW, meaning it can tow a 110-tonne mobile crane.
Its Miller 75-tonne rotating crane features five winches – four on its triple-extending boom and one as a drag winch. “The Highways Agency wants the roads cleared fast,” says John, “so with this we can right an overturned container artic’ without having to wait for a second vehicle.” Boniface also fitted the fifth axle.
In addition to hydraulic outriggers, the FH-520 has a full complement of working lights, light bars and chain lockers. It also features a Maxi-Reach slimline under-reach for damage free under-floor lift and even a walk-in workshop behind the cab, fully stocked with tools, straps and cutting gear for rescue work.
The truck is currently deployed on the M25 widening works between Heathrow and Dartford Cross on contract for Balfour Beatty, where it provides free LGV recovery.
