Heidelberg Materials upgrades truckmixer fleet

Heidelberg Materials UK have upgraded its fleet with the addition of 52 new Volvo FM 8x4 Tridem concrete truckmixers. These trucks are built to a unique specification focused on manoeuvrability and ground clearance to help the company's drivers access and work on challenging off-road terrain at construction sites across the UK.

Paul Newton, regional transport manager (Concrete), Northern Region & Central West at Heidelberg Materials UK, said: "As a business, we were one of the first in the industry to trial the tridem bogie in the industry, back in 2016, and we have always been very impressed. The Tridems have great manoeuvrability to access our customers sites, which the drivers really like compared with the standard 8x4 trucks.

"The Volvos are also great performers in terms of fuel economy, which helps our business reduce its carbon emissions and meet its sustainability targets. Overall, it’s a great package."

Joining a total fleet of more than 400 concrete truckmixers at the business (93 on the company fleet and the remainder working for franchise operators), the 44-tonne trucks are powered by fuel-efficient Volvo D11K diesel engines providing 430hp and 2,050Nm of torque. The construction version of Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift gearbox helps handling on tough and hilly terrain for high levels of productivity.

The business worked closely with Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland to get the exact specification needed. Each FM is built with an X-High chassis and rear air suspension – which unlocks crucial additional ground clearance for off-road operations. The trucks are equipped with an 8m3 McPhee concrete mixer body and a 350-litre aluminium water tank.

For additional driver comfort, the sleeper cabs feature a Drive package which adds electrically controlled air-conditioning with sun sensor, dual armrests on the driver’s seat, and a tinted glass roof hatch. A fridge/freezer has also been included.

Safety was at the forefront of the specification too, with each FM equipped with an additional side-view camera to help protect vulnerable road users, while Forward Collision Warning with advanced emergency braking and Lane Departure Warning systems are also on board.

"These trucks replace older-model Volvo units in our fleet and the drivers have provided feedback on how much they like the latest version of the FM cabs," added Mr Newton. "They are based as far north as Stirling, in Scotland, and as far south as Plymouth. They can be working in all sorts of different environments and locations, including city centres, rural areas or large construction projects, so it is imperative that we have vehicles that are reliable and meet the requirements for our customers and our business."

The FM mixers will be working five to six days a week and are expected to clock up in the region of 25,000km each year.