The UK‘s first five, new generation Volvo FL Euro 5 gritters have gone into service with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council to replace older model gritters in the growing fleet. Supplied through fleet outsourcing specialist TransLinc Ltd. based in Lincoln via local Volvo Dealer Crossroads Truck and Bus at Rotherham. This brings to 12 the number of Volvo trucks operated by Rotherham MBC, 8 of which are gritters.
TransLinc’s Regional Sales Manager Steve Tindall commenting on the new FL’s, said “The overall package that Crossroads Truck and Bus were able to put together greatly assisted the council in specifying Volvo. After an in-depth analysis to reduce the council’s overall vehicle carbon footprint, Volvo came out on top with their Euro 5 SCR offering. We have found the service from Crossroads to be outstanding, we get reliable delivery times and Crossroads are conveniently located for the council’ operations. Crossroads even arranged to put an Adblue IBC dispenser on site at the TransLinc repair centre”.
The Euro 5, FL-240 18-tonne GVW 4 x 2 vehicles will operate on a 7 year contract-hire with maintenance package provided through TransLinc. The annual mileage is as yet unknown but flexibility in the package has allowed for this. TransLinc are providing the 6 weekly inspections and maintenance through their local workshop, formerly owned by the council. Parts back-up, warranty and specialist repairs and diagnostics will be provided by Crossroads.
Operating within the Rotherham Borough, the highly manoeuvrable Volvo gritters will ensure both rural and urban areas are kept open for traffic. Equipped with Econ bodies fitted with low-throw units, these ensure that salt gets spread underneath parked cars and ‘salt bounce’ is maintained for improved coverage. After the completion of in-service trials, the bodies will be equipped with full GPS control for improved efficiencies. The Econ ploughs feature a DIN plate quick-release system which allows the plough to be safely fitted by one person.
Rotherham MBC have been specifying Volvo’s for almost 3 years. The council will also be taking delivery of three 18 tonne Volvo tippers equipped with cranes and a specialist Volvo mobile-library vehicle.
TransLinc is one of the country's foremost suppliers of specialist vehicles to local authorities, primarily on a contract hire basis. TransLinc have a 7 year contract in place with Rotherham MBC awarded in December 2004 for the provision, maintenance and management of its fleet of vehicles.