Top Volvo tractor goes wrecking

Newcastle-upon-Tyne heavy recovery specialist Alpha Recovery has given a Volvo FH16-660 a new lease of life, converting it from a heavy haulage tractor unit into a sparkling new wrecker to join the Alpha fleet.

The 8x4 FH16 will be Alpha’s most powerful wrecker yet and it joins one of the most diverse recovery fleets in the country including 7.5-tonne slidebeds, a 120 tonne underlift with crane, a coach trailer and off-road recovery vehicles including a 6x6 Scammell.

Alpha’s owner, Michael Burke said, “We provide a 24-hour service 365-days a year so we need reliability and service above all else. The FH16 was converted for us by Boniface Engineering in Thetford. They completed the conversion with their Recovery Trident bodywork and delivered it in 12 weeks, right on schedule”.

With 660 horsepower, a Globetrotter XL cab and an I-Shift automated ‘box, this truck is proving to be a treat for Alpha’s recovery supervisor and driver and Jonathan Murray who has been with Alpha for five years.

All Alpha’s Volvos and trailers are on service contracts with Volvo Truck and Bus Centre North & Scotland in Blyth and Michael sings their praises: “The service we get from Volvo at Blyth is second-to-none and just cannot be bettered. As far as the new FH16 goes, I am delighted with that too. It’s a pleasure to drive - the I-Shift transmission is superb,” he said.