Commercial Vehicle Hydraulics supplier of choice for Collins Earthworks Seven new Volvo FMX & FH tractor units

Long-standing Volvo Trucks and Volvo Construction Equipment customer, Collins Earthworks, will this month take delivery of two FH13 540 6x4 heavy haulage chassis to add to the five new FMX 500 Globetrotter 6x4 tractor units for operation with ejector trailers from its headquarters in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.

Collins Earthworks has added Seven Volvo FMX & FH 6x4 tractor units to its fleet.

Amongst the first new model FMX tractors to be delivered in the UK – they each benefit from the latest cab design offering superior comfort, agility and durability, with distinctive V-shaped LED headlamps with headlamp protectors, new anti-slip footsteps and a striking digital dashboard display.

Andy Jinks, Garage Manager for Collins Earthworks, says: “We have worked with Volvo Trucks for more than 20 years and they have continued to provide us with an incredibly reliable product, which is essential for our business operations. These FMXs represent the first of an all-new generation of vehicles, and so far, we’ve been massively impressed.”

Supplied by Jack Castle, Area Sales Manager at Hartshorne Motor Services, the double drive tractor units benefit from an innovative tandem axle lift, which enables drive to the rearmost axle to be disengaged and lifted clear of the ground, reducing fuel consumption and tyre wear when returning empty.

Commercial Vehicle Hydraulics were chosen as a first time supplier to Collins Earthworks, twin hydraulic circuits may not be something new but the solution offered by CVH gave optimal performance for both the BMi Ejector and the tipper. The inclusion of the 2” return hose and 4wire multispiral pressure hose certainly copes with the flows & pressures required without compromise to speed. OMFB heavy duty 400bar rated piston pumps were mounted to the PTO with a 600 Nm torque capacity.

While the FH13’s were fitted with a standard OMFB 200 litre aluminium hydraulic oil tanks, pivoting hose boom to ensure the hydraulic hose remains clear of the catwalk. The FMX’s were mounted with bespoke 330 litre aluminium hydraulic oil tanks and rear of cab A-frame keeps the circuit neat and practical for all applications.

Andy Jinks, Garage Manager for Collins Earthworks, says: “We chose CVH for the bespoke kits as they came highly recommended for complete solutions and level of service. From pre contract meetings to pre handover compatibility checks CVH have shown their commitment and expertise throughout. ”

The two FH13 6x4 tractor units are powered by Volvo’s proven D13K engine generating 540 hp and 2,600 Nm of torque, driven through a 12-speed automated I-Shift 60 tonne rated gearbox. The transmission has also been specified with construction and off road gear changing software, whilst the Volvo Engine Brake makes stopping safer and easier D13K-375kW/D16-500kW. Bogie reinforcement for Heavy haulage with GCW 100, 70 tonne front towing device and Jost EVHD85 Sliding 5th wheel make this the perfect heavy haulage machine.

Inside the new FH heavy haulage cab, Collins Earthworks has specified a range of options packs and extras which adds key features including leather seats, double bunk, left turn and reversing camera – whilst the exterior is enhanced with Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, LED lights, factory air deflector kit and a raft of Kelsa products.

The five FMX tractor units are powered by Volvo’s proven D13K engine generating 500 hp and 2,500 Nm of torque, driven through a 12-speed automated I-Shift gearbox. The transmission has also been specified with construction gear changing software, which helps the trucks adapt to unique situations faced by vehicles in this sector, whilst the Volvo Engine Brake makes stopping safer and easier.

Inside the new FMX cab, Collins Earthworks has specified a range of options packs and extras which adds key features including leather seats, fridge-freezer, microwave and reversing camera – whilst the exterior is enhanced with Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels, air horns, factory air deflector kit and a Kelsa lightbar.

“The new FMX cab has proved really popular with our drivers,” adds Jinks. “They’ve got more space, improved visibility thanks to a lowered door line, new rear-view mirrors and an ultra-modern digital driver display, which can be customised to suit what the driver wants to see. All combined, it’s greatly advanced the driving experience.”

The trucks will be in operation five days a week within the firm’s heavy haulage division, clocking up between 80,000 to 100,000 km per year, and are covered by a Volvo Blue Contract, with routine servicing and maintenance to be carried out at the local Hartshorne dealership.

With more than 20 years’ experience in managing earthmoving projects, Collins Earthworks provides a fast and professional service nationwide, meeting a variety of customer demands from consultation through to construction.