Timber merchant purchases North-West’s 1st Volvo FM 500

Preston-based timber merchants Derek Fox Timber recently took delivery of a new Volvo FM 500, 6x4 rigid – the first to be sold in the North West.

Purchased from local Volvo dealership Thomas Hardie Commercials, the 500bhp truck boasts an I-Shift automated transmission system, a spacious Globetrotter cab, leather seats, alloy wheels and a Kelsa HiBar and Eurobar. It also comes complete with bespoke paintwork on the cab and chassis, courtesy of Chorley-based Thomas Hardie Engineering and the vehicle is coupled to a tri-axle M&G drawbar trailer, plated at 44 GCW and fitted with an Epsilon crane.

Garry Fox, Managing Director of Derek Fox Timber, said, “Forestry work is very different to construction sites or warehousing; we needed something with plenty of grip and power. The FM-500 gives us just that, as well as excellent comfort and driveability.”

Garry continued, “We’ve also got a ’97 FL12 which is still on the road despite doing over 750,000 miles. We’ve never had any trouble with it.”

The FM-500 was purchased on a five-year repair and maintenance contract. Commenting on the deal, Garry added, “We’ve been dealing with Thomas Hardie since their very beginning, some 25 years ago, and, as always, they offered me a great deal.”