For more than 20 years, the Orica Group has relied on Volvo trucks for specialised work transporting explosives, blasting systems, mining chemicals, and more for mines and quarries throughout the UK. Orica UK has supplied explosives for the mining industry since its founding in 1874 and consistently chooses Volvo trucks for their engine reliability and cab comfort.
Built For The Mining Industry
Orica UK recently acquired four new Volvo FMX 460 6x4 rigids with MEMU mixing tank bodies. Used to make explosives for the mining and quarry industries, these trucks will log approximately 80,000 kilometres (roughly 50,000 miles) each year.
“We first switched to Volvo in 2001 and have stuck with them since then,” says Ian Gregory, specialist-operations support at Orica UK. “Today, all 15 trucks that we run in our UK operation are Volvos. In fact, our first Volvo chassis is still in service and just passed its MOT earlier this month at 23 years of age! We have never had a major issue which, considering we have the engine constantly running to power the PTO when we’re on-site, is pretty impressive.”
About The Volvo FMX 460
Orica UK’s FMX 460s have full ADR certification and are powered by Euro 6-compliant Step E diesel engines that produce 460 horsepower (338 kilowatts) and 2,300 newton-metres (1,696 pounds-foot) of peak torque. The FMX has a 12-speed automated I-Shift gearbox for precise shifting according to the current speed, weight, road grade, and torque demand.
“We used to specify a manual transmission, as so much of the work is off-road, but the guys are all very complimentary about the I-Shift gearboxes on the newer models,” says Gregory. “Making sure our drivers have a truck they are comfortable with and enjoy driving is very important to us.”
To support its off-road operations at quarry sites throughout the UK and Western Isles, Orica UK upgraded to the Volvo X-High chassis, which gives its FMX 460s higher ground clearance.
Inside, the sleeper cabs have extra storage, including a large compartment under the raised bed and upper rear storage with LED panels in the compartment dividers for better lighting. Additional benefits include a dynamic 12-inch high-resolution instrument display with an easy-to-use interface and a 9-in. side display for infotainment and navigation.
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Source: Volvo