Fleet tanker operators flock to Volvo FL Narrow Track event
Twenty-seven guests, representing key fleet tanker operators in the UK petrochemical industry, recently attended a seminar linked with the public unveiling of the Volvo FL Narrow Track at Volvo Trucks’ Warwick Headquarters.
Two of the new FL Narrow Track tankers were available for operators to view together with an FE 6x2 rear-steer tanker to full ADR spec. The latter was plated at 26 tonnes GVW. The 16 tonnes GVW FLs were loaned from Shell Gas and West Country fuel oil distributor, Tincknell Fuels.
Although the emphasis was firmly on the technical capabilities of the FL Narrow Track, the event also focused on Volvo’s ability to work in partnership with customers on a variety of issues. These include the use of Dynafleet telematics, Fuel Management Service consultancy and Volvo Service Point Online to reduce their fuel bills, monitor and manage maintenance costs and protect their ‘O’ Licences.
The Tincknells FL Narrow Track fuel oil tanker has a payload of 11,000 litres and Shell’s FL Narrow Track gas tanker carries approximately 6,200 kgs of LPG. These payloads, which mean the FL Narrow Track may not have to reload as frequently as a 7.5 tonner, coupled to its suitability for operation in rural areas, demonstrate that it can be a viable alternative to the lower GVW truck.
The FL Narrow Track is only 2.1 metres in overall width over the doors and 2.3 metres over the front mudwings. It is plated at 16,000 kgs. This is achieved by only two modifications to the standard FL: The standard rear wheels and tyres have been replaced by 455/45R 22.5 super singles on 8 stud steel wheels and the mirror arms are of a narrower design than standard. These minimal modifications mean that the Narrow Track FL can be supported by the Volvo Dealer Network without the need for stocks of special parts or tools.
The Narrow Track FL is also available with Volvo’s automated transmission I-Sync. This provides a true two-pedal system with the ‘box being operated from a steering column mounted stalk.
At 5.8 tonnes front and 10.3 tonnes rear, the axle weights for the Narrow Track FL are well-suited to tanker applications which do not require high levels of axle loading tolerance. A comparable lightweight 18 tonne GVW FL tanker, such as those operated by BP Gas, has a payload of 8.2 tonnes of gas.
The 6x2, with hydraulically operated rear-steer tag-axle, was on display to promote Volvo and Haartz Tanker Rentals’ new offer. This consists of a new road ready Volvo FE 340, rigid tanker full ADR with 20,000 litres capacity, complete with 4 compartment tank and ancillary / pumping equipment for just £804 per week for 12 months rental term.
The deal includes Volvo’s top level Gold Contract repair and maintenance support as well as ADR / Safe Load Pass and the truck is ready to work as soon as the rental documentation is signed off.
Haartz’s Ian Walkden emphasised that this is a true rental agreement - not a finance deal - so it can be put in place quickly. The Narrow track FL and standard 18 tonne GVW tankers are also available on a Haartz Tanker Rental deal for 12, 24 or 36 month terms. The key benefit, says Ian, is that it protects operators’ cash flow with fixed monthly payments which include Volvo’s Gold Contract Repair and Maintenance package.
