Terratank reinforces fleet with fresh flow of Volvo FH Aeros
Andover-based Terratank has turned for the first time to Volvo Trucks for the latest additions to its fleet, acquiring two Volvo FH Aero 500 6×2 tractor units.
With over 20 years of industry experience, Terratank is a nationwide supplier of rental storage tanks, pumps and associated equipment, for planned or reactive projects. It offers a comprehensive range of modular storage tank equipment, providing more than 15 million litres of capacity.
The trucks replace older assets in the business’s fleet, with Volvo selected due to driver preference. Supplied by Lewis Davies, truck sales executive at MC Truck and Bus, the tractor units will transport modular liquid storage tanks nationwide, with the assets kept on-call 24/7.
Since entering service, the new trucks have reportedly delivered a clear and immediate improvement in fuel economy, providing measurable efficiency gains from the outset.
Nigel East, procurement and compliance, Terratank, said: “The decision to move to Volvo was based on careful analysis and the trucks have fully lived up to expectations. Strong fuel returns, solid build quality and positive feedback from the drivers have reinforced that we made the right choice.
“The FH Aeros have settled immediately into our demanding workload. The trucks are already delivering strong fuel economy, clocking around 2 MPG more than the assets they replaced. Given that they also handle tight access well, the overall package fits our business perfectly.”
Cited benefits of the new FH Aeros include outstanding fuel efficiency on long-haul operations, benefiting from Volvo’s D13KTC engine, which delivers increased efficiency along with 300 Nm of additional torque, for a peak torque of 2,600 Nm. Working in combination with the truck’s I-See predictive cruise control, this engine makes it possible to tackle hills and gradients in a higher gear, says the manufacturer – saving fuel without losing speed and providing a smoother ride. Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift automated gearboxes also improve efficiency by analysing factors such as speed, weight, road grade, and torque demand, says Volvo, enabling the transmission to perfectly time every shift.
The traditional exterior mirrors have been replaced by Volvo’s Camera Monitoring System (CMS), helping to boost aerodynamic performance. The system increases the driver’s field of view, and when driving with a trailer, CMS deploys auto-panning functionality to follow the rear of the trailer as it turns. CMS is also said to perform strongly in rainy and dark conditions, in direct sunlight, and even when driving in tunnels. The inclusion of a tag axle in the specification was particularly important for Terratank, with the selection benefiting manoeuvrability, reduced tyre wear, and improved fuel efficiency.
“Given the nature of our work, we can often be expected to drive into areas that are tricky to navigate, for instance, if we’re working on flood prevention or helping the emergency services deal with fires,” added East.
“As reaching restricted sites is a common occurrence, the 6×2 tag axle configuration has proved essential for reliable access and smooth operation.”
Spacious Globetrotter cabs have been kitted out for the customer, with Terratank opting for creature comforts including dual armrests, leather upholstery, electric air conditioning with a carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors, tinted glass roof hatch, plus a microwave and a fridge/freezer. An enhanced paint finish, Dura-Bright Alloys and factory-fitted side skirts are among the exterior specifications.
