Peterborough-based AB Agri has received six of a dozen total Volvo FM 460 Globetrotter 6x2 tractors it’s adding to its 118-truck fleet, roughly a third of which are Volvo trucks. Founded in 1984, AB Agri manufactures animal feed, creates nutrition and technology-based products, and provides customers with agri food industry data services. Its ABN pig and poultry manufacturing business segment is using the FMs six days weekly and will run them for about 140,000 kilometres (87,000 miles) per annum.
“We’ve had FMs on the fleet previously, and they’ve always been a great vehicle to drive,” says Mark Hope, AB Agri transport services contract manager. “But the new-shape FM is proving to be even more popular in terms of comfort and technology. They’ve taken a big step forward. Our drivers are delighted with them. On average, we’ve got more Volvos than any other marque, and I’m looking forward to building on this over the next few years.”
A Focus On Maintenance
Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East supplied the trucks, which AB Agri is pairing with tri-axle bulk blower tippers for bulk animal feed work. Five trucks operate at ABN’s Bury St. Edmunds facility, and one works out of Leeds. AB Agri will receive the six others later this year. Because its ABN mills lack their own fleet-maintenance teams, reliable service is a top concern for company transport managers.
“Knowing they can get support locally is key, as we need to keep our vehicles in excellent condition and with minimal time off the road,” Hope says. “Our mill in Bury St. Edmunds has a particularly strong relationship with the local dealer, which is one of the big reasons why Volvo won this latest order.”
Equipped For Comfort
AB Agri spec’d each FM with a Volvo D13K engine rated for 460 horsepower (338 kilowatts) and 2,300 newton-metres (1,696 pounds-foot) of torque. The Globetrotter cabs include a 12-inch instrument display and a 9-inch side display used for infotainment, navigation, transport data, and monitoring camera feeds. AB Agri added the Volvo Drive+ and Single Bed Living packages which give its drivers plenty of comfort, as they include a luxury sleeper control panel and 28-litre upper-wall-mounted refrigerator.
AB Agri also added Volvo’s Dynafleet telematics system, which feeds AB Agri with real-time operating data via the Volvo Connect app. Dynafleet lets the firm monitor fuel and environment information, driver work periods, vehicle positioning, vehicle status, system integration, and more.
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Source: Volvo