First Volvo FH truckmixer in UK

Peterborough-based Spanners Mixer Hire have taken delivery of the UK’s first Volvo FH 6x4 truckmixer. The customized truck, which has been plated for 26-tonne gvw operation, has a 6m3 mixer drum, manufactured and fitted by Liebherr at their plant in Germany.

Spanners owner Peter Spooncer, who has operated mixers for the last 15 years, believes the FH offers his customers the best possible working and living environment. For comfort, the truck benefits from Volvo’s globetrotter cab, the FH 400, which includes full leather upholstery and climate control. For performance, the FH has been specified with straight front axles for optimum ground clearance and Volvo’s automated I-Shift transmission, which has impressed Mr Spooncer.

‘The I-Shift is very good for kerbing, particularly when we are working alongside an Extrudakerb machine, as the truck can be moved forward at speeds as slow as one foot per minute without stalling or baulking,’ he said. ‘Manoeuvring in reverse is also helped by the I-Shift, as the truck sometimes reverses for up to a mile just to get to a delivery point.’

Since delivery, the truck has been used for 1,000m3 a day pours for new shopping centre floors and civil engineering projects.