Volvo FE 2nd gen
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Jonathan Hardy, owner of Jonathan Hardy Contractors reports that the company’s latest FE 4x2 tipper, which is the first in Wales to be equipped with Volvo’s I-Shift automated transmission, is a ‘brilliant truck’.
The FE was supplied by Volvo dealer Mansel Davies and Son (Garages) Ltd in Llanfyrnach, Pembrokeshire, who this year celebrate their 30th year selling Volvo trucks.
The Swansea-based construction truck operator emphasised that - in his opinion - the I-Shift automated gearbox installation in the FE 18-tonner is ‘second to none’.
“The I-Shift in the FE is much better than the manual box,” he says, adding: “With I-Shift, the driver can concentrate on steering the truck. With the manual, you tend to be ‘driving the ‘box’ a lot of the time.”
Jonathan Hardy also praises the new-series FE for its driving qualities: “The FE holds the road well. It doesn’t roll and is very quiet.”
According to Jonathan Hardy, the FE, which is fitted with the Euro-6 D8K, 8-litre engine rated at 280 hp, is currently averaging 12 mpg.
This compares favourably with an 11 plate Euro 5-compliant FE tipper, also operated by the company, which, he says, is delivering 10.8mpg. This latter truck is fitted with a manual gearbox.
However, he is keen to point out that operating costs for the 11 plate FE have also been commendably low, saying: “We’ve never had any unplanned expenditure on it. In 130,000 kms it has only had two new tyres fitted.”
Specification of the Euro-6 FE operated by Jonathan Hardy Contractors, includes steel suspension on the drive axle and insulated bodywork by Wilcox. Tipping gear is from Edbro.
Jonathan Hardy Contractors currently operate three trucks, all Volvos. Their first Volvo, an FE, went on the road in 2011. Jonathan Hardy reports that he also is very pleased with a new-series, Euro-6 FM-450, 6x4 tipper that joined the fleet in 2014. “I can’t believe how much better on fuel and quieter it is than the previous FM,” he says.
The company has a replacement policy of three years for two axle trucks and four for three-axle vehicles. “Volvos hold their value well at three and four years old,” says Jonathan Hardy.
Jonathan Hardy Contractors deliver asphalt and a wide variety of quarry products, including stone, sand and gravel.