Volvo Trucks has increased its share of the busy delivery fleet at builders’ merchants Frank Key with the addition of two new crane-equipped Volvo FL 250 4×2 rigid trucks.
The Nottingham-based business has opted for Volvo for its latest order due to the manufacturer’s competitive pricing and the proven reliability of the product.
Supplied by Jack Castle, Area Sales Manager at Hartshorne Group, the two 16-tonne FLs will be used for multi-drop deliveries to Frank Key’s customer base across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Neil Lunn, Transport Manager at Frank Key, says: “We run trucks from three different manufacturers, but selected Volvo this time due to the value for money they offer. It is a good quality product, which doesn’t let us down and is built to last. We can’t afford unnecessary downtime in this line of work.
“The trucks are ideal for what we need them for. The FLs have good manoeuvrability. Volvo is a brand that we like and trust, plus we get good support from the team at the local dealer.”
The two new FL rigids offer two-step entry and are powered by Volvo’s D8K engine, producing 250 hp and a peak torque figure of 950 Nm. This impressive level of torque helps to significantly reduce the need for gear-changing, whilst making it perfect for urban distribution, with easy low-speed handling and quick acceleration.
Operating out of Frank Key’s busy depots, safety has been a major factor in the build with a factory-fitted passenger side lower door window to improve visibility and a white step light in the lower door. The FLs are also fitted with twin roof-mounted amber beacons.
Comfort in the day cabs is improved with a suspended driver’s seat, with adjustable shock absorber, backrest, lumbar support and heat controls with the seatbelt integrated in the seat, plus air conditioning, DAB radio and cruise control.
They have been fitted with dropside bodywork by Ranch Truck and Trailer and an HMF crane, to allow for easy loading and delivery.
Expected to cover in the region of 40,000 km per year, the FLs are backed by five-year Volvo Gold Contract repair & maintenance agreements, which guarantees the best possible uptime, with servicing being carried out at Hartshorne Group’s Alfreton depot.
The FLs will be joined at the business by two bigger 26-tonne Volvo FEs, that are due to arrive in the coming months, expanding Volvo’s presence in the fleet further.
Established in 1907, Frank Key is a large privately owned, independent builders’ merchant and plant and tool hire specialist. The business has grown substantially over its 115-year history, supplying market-leading building, plumbing and timber materials, as well as stocking interiors, landscaping and drainage products.