UK’s first Volvo Tridem for Hills Waste Solutions

The first pusher-axle tridem 8x4 built by Volvo for the UK market has entered service with Wiltshire-based Hills Waste Solutions.

Engineered primarily for the waste collection industry the new design combats the rear axle overloading frequently experienced with traditional 8x4 rear-end loaders. The Volvo FM tridem features a 24-tonne capacity rear bogie and nine-tonne front axle.

Hills’ Transport Operations Manager Peter Moore said, “We needed a comfortable, powerful and fuel-efficient 32-tonner for this particular operation. When Volvo offered us the first tridem axle arrangement to be installed in an FM we were keen to give it a go. The new configuration will provide a noticeable improvement in fuel economy and payload over our existing vehicles,” he added.

The FM is powered by the 410hp version from the Volvo 11-litre range and the gearbox is the familiar automated Volvo I-Shift. Disc brakes are fitted throughout and an on-board weighing system provides an additional margin of safety for drivers.

Supplied by Wales and West Truck & Bus Limited, in conjunction with Gulliver’s Vehicle Rentals, the specially configured 8x4 rigid is equipped with a Heil ‘Big Bite’ rear-end loader and is plated for operation at 32-tonnes GVW.

The vehicle is based at the Hills Waste Solutions depot at Lower Compton near Calne and will operate throughout Wiltshire. Hills Waste Solutions operate an extensive fleet of rigid trade waste and rear-end loaders as well as articulated units.