Arnold Plant Hire

Published on: 14th January 2022

Arnold Plant Hire take delivery of new 32T Sterling plant body fitted to a Volvo FH420 Globetrotter 8×2 chassis

Stockport-based Arnold Plant Hire has replaced an older six-wheeler in its fleet with a new Volvo FH 420 Globetrotter 8×2 rigid fitted with a Sterling heavy duty low profile plant body. The body features a double bend beavertail and 3.2M double-flip ramps to maximise the loading angle – allowing a wide range of equipment to be driven on safely. An electric winch with remote control is fitted to aid loading and unloading plant with less traction such as rollers in wet weather. It also benefits from a full working at height system along both sides of the vehicle, plus beacons and worklights around the truck to ensure visibility at all times.

The body is fitted with a hardwood keruing deck and grouser bars to the slope and ramps to allow tracked plant to be loaded. A toolbox under the body and chain stowage trays to the headboard provides ample storage for straps and chains to suit any load combination. The finished truck comes in with a very competitive payload of 18.5t.

The truck features an electro-hydraulic steered rear axle to maximise manoeuvrability when delivering to sites with limited access. Driver comfort and convenience were both major considerations for the customer, which selected a Globetrotter cab offering premium levels of space, along with a single bunk, satellite navigation, fridge-freezer, leather trim, TV preparation and a factory-fitted microwave – ensuring the driver can enjoy a hot meal at any destination.

Jason Caudwell, Plant Manager at Arnold Plant Hire, says: “The new Volvo FH ticks all the boxes; our drivers work incredibly hard, so looking after them and giving them great trucks is really important for us as a business. They typically have a few nights away each month, but it’s also about the time spent on site waiting to deliver plant, as well as taking rest breaks. By choosing the FH Globetrotter cab, we can be confident we are giving them a great environment to work and relax in, no matter where they have to deliver to.”

Arnold Plant Hire is using the truck to support a growing fleet of more than 200 items of plant and machinery, which is predominantly hired for operation within the construction, recycling and waste sectors, as well as in support of general industry.

The truck was supplied by Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials, in partnership with Kelvin Carruth, Area Sales Manager at Sterling GP Ltd.

This latest truck to join the fleet will carry plant up to and including 14-tonne excavators, and
is expected to cover approximately 40,000 miles per annum.