C J Hurford & Sons

C J Hurford & Sons has taken delivery of a new

Volvo FH Aero 8x4 Tridem tipper, the first truck of its kind to be put into

operation in the UK.

The new arrival combines superb

fuel-efficiency and top-of-the-range manoeuvrability, providing the

Bristol-based family business with the ideal solution for its contract work

with Dragon Asphalt. 

Chris Hurford, owner of C J Hurford & Sons, says:

“Our fleet is mostly high-end kit, and we wanted something a little special

again this time. It’s nice to know we have the first FH Aero tipper in the

country. 

“Where we are based, out on the Mendips, the terrain is

very hilly, and we always get good fuel on the Volvos, but this Aero should be

even better. We’ve gone with the mirror cameras on this one too – it’s all down

to aerodynamics and to save on fuel. That’s the main cost for our business, so

anything we can do to reduce that is a huge help.” 

Supplied by Russell Woof, Area Sales Manager at Truck and

Bus Wales and West, the eye-catching tipper is powered by a D13K Euro-6 engine

which delivers 540 hp and a maximum torque output of 2,600 Nm between 1,000 and

1,450 rev/min, for great driveability, efficiency and performance. 

The new FH Aero – liveried in the white and red colours

of Dragon Asphalt – delivers substantial energy consumption and emission

reductions of up to five per cent, in comparison to a standard FH, through a

refined sleek, aerodynamic design. This includes Volvo’s Camera Monitoring

System (CMS) which replaces the traditional exterior mirrors. As well as

reducing drag and improving fuel efficiency, the CMS also increases the

driver’s field of view to boost safety. 

The tipper body was built by George Neville, and the

paint job was completed by Merlin Car & Commercials with Naked Signs adding

the vinyl. RBF Auto Electricals added a comprehensive electrical installation. 

Replacing a truck from a rival manufacturer, the FH Aero

is driven through Volvo’s proven 12-speed I-Shift gearbox which features

construction software to help with performance on challenging terrain, while

the Tridem chassis makes accessing sites far easier, and also reduces tyre wear. 

“The turning circle of the Tridem is unmatched, you can

get a 20-tonne payload into sites where usually only a six-wheeler can go,”

adds Hurford. “The overall package from Volvo is superb. The driver loves it,

and that’s so important to keep your drivers happy. I have a great relationship

with Russell at Wales and West, he never lets me down.” 

Expected to cover roughly 80,000 km per year, the FH Aero

8x4 rigid is covered by a Volvo Blue Contract, including all preventative

maintenance.

CJ Hurford & Sons employs 16 members of staff,

running 12 trucks on a variety of different contracts. Based just south of

Bristol, with great access to the motorway network, the firm’s modern fleet of

six and eight-wheel tippers are used to deliver asphalt and aggregates across

the south-west.

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