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June/July 2017 Truck and Track 29
CONTRACTS & ORDERS – HIGHLIGHTS
Civil engineering contractor A J O’Connor
of Enfield has taken delivery of a new
Volvo FE 6x2 rigid – complete with
Palfinger loader crane, aluminium
double dropside body and all-round
air suspension – from the local Volvo
Truck and Bus Centre, where it is under
a five-year r&m contract. The vehicle is
expected to cover 30,000 km a year.
A J O’Connor’s Fleet Engineer, Adrian
Parolea Moga, explains: “We work 95% of
the time in London and therefore needed
a truck that offered us low emissions
and good fuel efficiency, as well as being
designed and equipped to be as safe as
possible.
“I would say we have invested in the future
with this truck. The single drive with tag
axle means less wear-and-tear, while also increasing the payload.
Even with the Palfinger PK12002EH crane mounted behind the
cab, which weighs in the region of 1.5t, we’re getting a payload of
around 15.5t, which is a big jump upwards in comparison to our
existing trucks.”
Payload is key, since the truck carries kerbstones and paving slabs
for the company’s work in the construction of pathways and
cycle routes. Adrian Parolea Moga again: “Presently we’re heavily
involved in projects across Hackney, so that operating a low-
emission truck that’s highly manoeuvrable, Crossrail-compliant,
productive and literally bristling with safety features was almost a
minimum requirement for us.
“We have the low-level nearside window on the comfort cab to
maximise driver visibility down the nearside. I would estimate that
about 90% of our time is spent working around pedestrians and
other vulnerable road-users, so safety is of paramount importance.”
Powered by a six-cylinder Volvo D8K diesel engine producing 280
HP, the maximum1050 Nm torque is transferred to the road via an
I-Shift 12-speed automated manual gearbox.
er.com/en/gbr
Payload is key for civil engineering contractor
Established by husband and wife Andrew and Karen Swannell
over 35 years ago, Huntingdon-based Swannells Transport
specialise in general haulage. Daily operations rely upon their
Scania fleet to deliver the highest standard of service possible
to their customer base. When an additional tractor unit was
required, Swannells Transport opted for a new flagship – the
Scania R520 V8.
A 6x2/2, Highline cab variant, it provides a spacious environment
for its driver. With an enhanced modular instrument panel, a larger
display with improved graphics, intuitive controls just a fingertip
away and a whole new level of visibility, the next-generation cab
interior sets the standard. When living life out on the road, the
right working environment can improve both efficiency levels and
driving experience, as Swannells fully recognise.
Andrew Swannell paints the picture: “We are lucky: our drivers are
loyal and takegreat pride in their vehicles. Theyare likeour extended
family, and we want to give them a great working environment
where they continue to enjoy their job. With the next-generation
Scaniawe have just that: you can tell the interior has been designed
with the driver’s needs and comfort in mind.”
Formost operators these days, fuel is themost important factor. The
difference in mpg between manufacturers is a constant discussion
point and, although a contributory factor to the choice of the Scania
brand in this case, it is by no means the only reason.
Andrew Swannell continues: “It all comes down to reliability. Being
in the haulage industry, I need to rely on my fleet day in, day out,
and that means the product and the dealer back-up. I know that, if
I buy a Scania, I could run it for ten years or more, if I wanted to. The
longevity is never questioned – if you buy quality, it will last and,
when it comes to support, TruckEast have always been there for us:
nothing is too much trouble.”
The next-generation Scania, as the new flagship of Swannells,
signifies a milestone for the business. Sons Edward and George, the
next generation themselves, are coming up through the ranks and
taking on more responsibility for the future direction of the family
firm.
“Our current site hosts 60,000 ft2 of storage facilities, with room
to expand,” comments George. “That’s the way forward for us. As
demand continues to grow, so will our warehousing infrastructure.
To offer a strong mix of both warehousing and logistics is our aim.”
The latest truck – as with the rest of the fleet – will be maintained
at Swannells’ in-house workshop, relying upon Ely-based TruckEast
as their parts provider. “It doesn’t make sense really for hauliers of
our size to run their own workshop these days but, with roots as a
mechanic, I would never have it any other way,” concludes Andrew
Swannell.
Top-of-the-range TruckEast
Scania for Swannells
Transport
The next generation . . . sons Edward (left) and George Swannell (right), join with their father,
the company’s owner Andrew Swannell (centre), to welcome on board their new Scania R520
6x2/2 tractor unit with Highline cab – from TruckEast
01543 420 121 VEHICLE
FINANCE AND
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