Linfox has purchased four Volvo FH16 700s to haul triple road trains to the mining communities of Western Australia. These are some of the first 700hp trucks to be put into operation in Australia.
The Volvo FH16 700s were chosen because Linfox required powerful and economical trucks to undertake demanding long-haul operations in some of Australia’s harshest operating conditions, including travelling to the Pilbara region.
“Linfox have had seven FH16 580s in service for some time now,” said Gary Bone, General Manager Volvo Trucks, “and they’re really happy with them. The drivers love them and their reliability and fuel economy have been outstanding, so when they needed more power, the FH16 700 was simply the best truck for the job.
“Linfox runs one of the biggest fleets in the country and they know their business inside-out. Fuel economy, reliability and low emissions are all critical to their operations,” added Mr Bone. “Volvo’s FH16 met all the Euro 5 standards several years ago now, so Linfox knew that in the D16G700 they had a tried and tested engine that would deliver all the power and reliability they needed within the emissions standards.”
For added safety the FH16s feature Volvo’s EBS stability program, disc brakes, airbags, safety cab and antilock brakes. They are rated at 140 tonnes and also equipped for Dangerous Goods cartage. They are expected to operate as three trailer road trains throughout Western Australia and will also haul floats to move heavy equipment.
Peter Fox accepted the four new trucks on 7 June at the Truck Centre WA dealership in Guidlford. CEO of Volvo Group Australia, Arne Knaben handed him the keys on behalf of Max Winkless and Phil Winkless of Truck Centre WA.
“We’re delighted to see that some of the first 700-horsepower FH16s built here in Australia are in the Linfox livery,” said Mr Knaben. “As one of the country’s main transport fleets, Linfox sets a standard for others to follow, and this purchase is a tribute to the quality of Volvo’s trucks and of its support network here in Western Australia.”
