The waste and agricultural logistics experts will use the high-spec 32-tonne rigid to remove material from perilous working environments.
Volvo beat off two rival marques to secure the order, thanks to the pro-active approach of local dealer Truck and Bus Wales and West, and the manoeuvrability of the FH Tridem.
Melvyn Evans, Director at William Gilder, says: “We put the chassis out to tender with three manufacturers and the response we received from Darren Padfield and the team at Wales and West was head and shoulders above the other two.
“They have put a huge amount of work into the configuration and specification of the truck. We would not have the finished product we have now, without their efforts. There’s not an inch of space left on the truck, and the Wales and West team have worked wonders, along with the bodybuilder, to supply it just as we wanted. We’ve kept it as short as possible and also added rear air suspension to improve manoeuvrability further, which will help us get into some awkward sites.”
William Gilder has one of the most recognisable fleets in the south west, with its trucks decked out in a rich dark green livery. The new FH Tridem will stand out from the rest, however, thanks largely to its distinctive DISAB body.
“This is definitely something new for us,” explains Evans. “The air mover on the back is effectively a hoover but with colossal power, it’s a serious bit of kit. It can pick up dry and wet material and will allow us to remove waste from a wide range of places.
“For instance, we can run pipes into a factory floor to collect product that has fallen off conveyors. We also do a lot of work with anaerobic digestion plants, which need cleaning usually every 18 months or so. We can access those tanks and run it all via a remote control, meaning there’s no need for man entry – making it a much safer process.”
The FH is powered by Volvo’s D13K engine, producing 500 hp and 2,500 Nm of torque. It features a 12-speed I-Shift transmission and spacious Globetrotter cab, benefiting from Volvo’s Drive Plus and Single Bed Living Packages. It is supplied with a three-year Volvo Gold Contract repair and maintenance package.
The 10 new model FH 6×2 tractor units will follow the Tridem into service throughout the course of the year and will be used to pull tankers carrying liquid waste.
Established in 1985 as an agricultural contractor, William Gilder now employs more than 100 staff and works in a variety of sectors providing transport solutions for customers across the UK.
