Maxilead metals go light and heavy with FL drawbar skiploader and four-axle FM hooklift

Two new Volvo rigids, an FL-250, for operation as the prime mover in a 24-tonnes GTW drawbar outfit, and an 8x4 FM-410 hookloader, have joined the 14-strong fleet of metal recyclers Maxilead Metals of Tyldesley, Manchester.

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According to Peter Clay, who is Chairman of Maxilead Metals, the decision to purchase the two new Volvos, rather than a competitor make, was made thanks to the distinguished record of exceptionally high levels of customer service from the local dealer, Thomas Hardie Commercials.

"We have used different makes in the past, but Volvo exceed all others," explains Mr. Clay, before adding: "We are lucky to have a great local dealership with fantastic staff and superb customer service. I would particularly like to mention Pete Schofield, Arthur Baldwin and Graham Thompson in the service department, who have all done a fantastic job. We constantly strive to update our fleet to keep them looking smart and are very happy with the two new additions. Volvo trucks are always delivered on time and to the correct specification, so we wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to other operators."

The larger of the two trucks, which were both delivered in September on ‘66' plates, is an Off-road capable N3G specification FM-410 8x4 Day-cab, X-High chassis fitted with hookloader waste container handling equipment.

The 5100mm wheelbase FM is fitted with the D11K410 11-litre engine rated at 410hp ((302 kW), Volvo Engine Brake, I-Shift automated gearbox and factory-fitted beacons.

The FL-250 24-tonnes GTW drawbar outfit is powered by a 3700mm wheelbase, Day cab prime mover, which is equipped with Volvo's D8K250, 8-litre, 6-cylinder engine rated at 250 hp (184 kW) with the ZTO1109, nine-speed manual gearbox. This was chosen for its Gross Design Weight approval for operation at up to 36,000 kgs GTW. The drawbar coupling is from VBG and the skiploader equipment is Hyvalift, with the two axle skip trailer built by Swan Commercials of Wigan. The FL is fitted with an additional window in the nearside door to aid visibility of cyclists and pedestrians in urban environments.

Both trucks have been placed on Volvo Repair and Maintenance contracts and will be serviced overnight at Thomas Hardie Commercials' Trafford Park depot.