Volvo’s FMX tipper

VOLVO’S FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE FMX TICKS ALL THE BOXES FOR ROBINSON CONCRETE

Johnny Millen, Robinson Concrete Driver.

Transporting heavy loads in the rolling countryside of Northern Ireland can be challenging to say the least. Thankfully, these days, truck manufacturers are able to supply increasingly innovative solutions to help improve manoeuvrability, ease of access and maximise payload potential.

Family-run Robinson Concrete, which has been operating in County Londonderry for the past 73 years, has recently added a new Volvo FMX 4x4 tractor unit to its growing fleet – designed specifically to solve these issues. Like most concrete and aggregates firms, the business’ fleet was traditionally made up with rugged rigid eight-wheelers. However, having studied the market closely, it started to explore the possibility of utilising more tractor units and trailers to increase the loads it could shift.

Gareth Robinson, who runs the firm alongside his two sons Matthew and Scott, explains: “The fleet at the moment is around the 30 mark, the vast majority of which are rigids. Before the FMX landed we had four other tractor units, but they were really only used for hauling sand between our two depots, in Claudy and Ballymoney, around 40 miles apart. “Our core business though is delivering to farms, and we noticed that other trucks accessing these sites – such as milk tankers and those carrying fertiliser – had been getting larger, plus farm machinery in general is growing in size, so access to these sites was becoming possible for bigger vehicles. We also had a new dual carriageway opened near our yard in Ballymoney – so the road networks were improving. “That really made us start thinking about moving towards trailers, and because we’re processing our own aggregates, when concrete is quiet we can just unhook the concrete mixer trailer and go and haul aggregates from the sand pits. It made sense on all fronts. “We knew though that the set-up was only ever going to be as good as what was pulling the trailer. In terms of going onto construction sites, there are lots of options out there using double drives and tag-axles, etc. But we felt that, because of the difficulty of working in our sand pits and the terrain we are often on is quite challenging, steep and mucky, a 4x4 would be the best route for us. “We were aware of other manufacturers bringing out these hydraulic front wheel drive options, but it was really only Volvo who could provide everything we were looking for.” DEALER CO-OPERATION

Robinson Concrete worked closely with local dealer Dennison Commercials and Volvo’s technical team to come up with the finished product – and they couldn’t be happier with how it has turned out.

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Built on a 3,900mm wheelbase, the FMX benefits from an X-High chassis with rear air suspension to improve ground clearance on rough terrain. The firm also selected Michelin XZY3 steer and Michelin X Works drive tyres, offering maximum durability and excellent grip. Powered by Volvo’s D13K Euro-6 engine, producing 540 hp and 2,600 Nm of torque, the FMX – equipped with spacious Globetrotter cab – has the power to allow the firm to carry more product, while the 4x4 drive paired with the rear-steer concrete mixer trailer creates fantastic manoeuvrability. “The team at Dennison led us through the process and really opened our eyes to what was possible,” adds Gareth. “Basically, with this truck there are no compromises. The steering of the trailer combined with the double drive of the truck just ticks so many boxes for us. “Only this week, for instance, we had one of our tag axle trucks doing the sand and gravel work and it had to stop because every time it went down into the pit to turn around, the vehicle was sticking and didn’t have enough traction in the loose sand to get out. The 4x4 FMX can just go in, and back out, no questions asked. “There are always restrictions with a tag axle, in our line of work. If you’re a driver and you’re delivering to a construction site, wondering ‘can I get in and will I get stuck if I do get in’, it just adds hassle to your day. Using the 4x4 and the trailer, they can be ultra-confident working on any site.” ANOTHER ON ORDER

The solution has worked so well Robinson Concrete has another identical FMX 4x4 tractor unit due to be delivered in the next few months. The business also has two specifically designed new mixer trailers - supplied by Muldoon Transport Systems - on the way to join the two it already has in operation. “The ones we have currently were specified with a hydraulics system and rated at 44 tonnes initially to pull behind either a double drive or a tag axle,” says Gareth. “But we are getting trailers now specifically made for the 4x4s, rated at 40 tonnes, so they will be a metre shorter, which will give us even more manoeuvrability. They won’t have the hydraulics on either as we already have that on the trucks, so we gain about half a tonne more in payload capacity in the mixer. “Down in the Republic of Ireland a lot of businesses similar to ours use 10x4rigids for this type of work, but having tested this spec now we feel this is actually a better solution and it may be something that catches on in the south as well.”

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Pioneering App to Help Tackle Mental ill Health Issues Within Construction Industry

A new training solution and app that has been built by and for the construction industry to help tackle its mental ill health issues, has just been launched.

Ownminder is the first industryspecific proactive psychological health solution created to help address the sector’s stark mental health situation that sees a suicide rate three times more than the national average. This equates to two people per day in the UK construction industry taking their own lives (ONS). Founders Dr Vanessa Moulton, a Chartered Psychologist, and Property and Construction Strategic Consultant Tom Storey, created Ownminder based on their supported belief that prevention is just as important - if not more so - than reactiveonly mental health strategies. Founding partners include key industry figures Danny Lucas (Lucas UK), Danny Chaney (blu-3 (UK) Ltd), Brian Morrisroe (Morrisroe Group) and David Darsey (The Erith Group), who have combined their knowledge, experience and insights to help develop, build and shape the initiative. Ownminder enables organisations within the construction industry to provide their employees with a set of accessible tools and strategies to enable them to take a positive, proactive and preventative approach to their psychological health and wellbeing. It provides them with a deeper understanding of the factors underpinning their own psychological health and enables them to take ownership of their mind fitness, which in turn reduces the risk of poor mental health in the future. All this is achieved through senior leadership training and onsite Toolbox Talks content. An app will be accessible for each worker, offering industry tailored on-demand modules, as well as personalised tools, strategies and techniques that can be easily incorporated into everyday life to help strengthen mind fitness.

Regular Updates

Anonymised reports, that will include user engagement levels and regularly updated mental wellbeing scores to validate progress, will give businesses in the industry the evidence required to demonstrate compliance with the various health and safety legislation, public procurement and other ESG factors related to proactive psychological health within the sector. CEO and Co-founder of Ownminder, Dr Vanessa Moulton commented: “There has never been a more important time to launch Ownminder to the construction industry, with our sole mission to create a highly targeted solution fit for a digital age. There is a lot of focus on how we respond to mental ill health and not so much on how to prevent it. We can all positively impact our psychological health if we understand how our minds work and are armed with the right tools. Right now, mental health and fitness should be given as much focus and priority as physical health and fitness.” Founding partner Danny Chaney, Chairman of blu-3 (UK) Ltd, commented: “Very much driven by my own personal experience, I have been championing mental health and wellbeing in the sector for years. Ownminder is with you 24 hours a day to tap into when you need it. I feel very honoured to be helping Dr Vanessa and Tom, with the end goal being a psychologically healthier, happier and more productive workforce within the construction industry.” Founding partner Danny Lucas, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Lucas, said: “Being a founding partner is something that really empowers me. It’s been a privilege to be involved with the development of the product and be able to help shape its roll out across the industry.” CEO and Founder of the Morrisroe Group, Brian Morrisroe, also a founding partner, commented: “We all care for our workforces and the opportunity to get involved with Ownminder to do something more for them is invaluable. I’m humbled to be part of this revolutionary journey that is striving for better mental health across the sector.” Managing Director of the Erith Group and founding partner of Ownminder, David Darsey said, “Enabling employees to be in control of their psychological health and fitness is incredibly important. As employers, we have a responsibility and a duty of care to ensure our staff across all levels are not just physically safe, but mentally safe too.” For more information on Ownminder and how to get involved, please visit www.ownminder.com

COVER STORY GENIE Z-60 FE HYBRID ‘TWO MACHINES IN ONE’

CP Hire have been putting their recently acquired Genie® Z®-60 FE hybrid articulating boom lift to good use on a contract on the stunning coast of Northern Ireland; the machine is featured on our front cover.

Supplied by Sleator Plant, the Genie Z-60 FE boom lift is a no-compromises hybrid - an ideal, environmentally-friendly solution that delivers on performance, as well as efficiency and a low cost of operation. In ‘all-electric’ mode, Genie FE hybrid booms offer a full workday of emissionsfree run time on a single battery charge. In ‘hybrid’ mode, it offers one week of run time with a single tank of diesel. The Z-60 FE boom lift features a 5 ft (1.52 m) articulating jib with a 135° vertical rotation to accurately position workers, while the Genie Fast Mast™ boom system allows operators to descend and retrieve materials and quickly return to working height. Electrification, of course, continues to be one of the biggest trends in the industry. Although hybrid and electric technologies certainly aren’t new anymore, the pace of adoption is accelerating as jobsite regulations become more stringent, as electrified equipment offers better and more efficient performance, and as costs to implement the technology continues to come down. Finding the place where these factors - performance, cost and demand - come together is really at the heart of Genie’s approach to electrification. “We aim to offer the right technology, on the right products, at the right time so we provide the performance that equipment operators need, and greater value for equipment owners and their businesses with the reliable ongoing support of our dealers,” commented Will Westley, Sales Director UK & Ireland and Nordics.

FIVE WAYS TO GUARANTEE ROKBAK HAULER PERFORMANCE THIS WINTER

The Rokbak RA30 and RA40 are robust machines that can be relied upon to operate effectively and efficiently in cold weather – slippery surfaces and icy slopes are not a problem for these ‘solid as a rock’ articulated haulers.

However, their performance is not down to quality design and build alone, so here are five maintenance tips to help maximise their uptime, productivity and safety during the winter. 1. USE FACTORY-

APPROVED PARTS

When the weather is cold, it’s more important than ever to equip haulers with the right parts. A reliable starter motor, for example, ensures haulers fire up without problems even in low temperatures. All Rokbak

Factory-Approved Parts have been designed and engineered precisely to maintain high performance and prevent unexpected downtime. 2. SELECT THE RIGHT

MACHINE SPECIFICATION

If operating for prolonged periods of time in extremely low temperatures, options such as fluid heaters will make the hauler’s operation much more efficient.

In winter, heavy rain and snow are also likely, so the hauler should be equipped with good windscreen wipers to maintain visibility and ensure safe operation. 3. CARRY OUT REGULAR

INSPECTIONS

Correct and frequent maintenance is crucial, especially in winter. A good routine for changing fluids or adjusting tyre pressure can make a big difference in keeping an articulated hauler in good shape, while quick daily inspections can prevent accidental wear and tear. The Rokbak global dealer network offers dedicated on-site maintenance and support services and a pre-winter inspection is ideal for getting the new season off to a productive and profitable start. 4. REMOVE ANY DIRT OR SALT

Dirt or mud on a hauler can freeze overnight in winter, becoming difficult to remove and potentially damaging to the machine. Salt and other products on roads after snow can also contaminate systems and cause erosion. A daily clean will protect the body and components

of the hauler leading to a longer service life and lower repair costs. 5. CORRECTLY STORE

THE MACHINE

If a hauler is not being used during winter, correct storage according to the machine literature will ensure it stays in good condition and be ready to work again in the spring. For example, the tires should be blocked up and protected from the elements, while batteries should be kept away from extreme temperatures. If possible, the machine should be started up on a regular basis and put through a set of basic movements to keep it operational. “We have many customers operating in cold climates and are ready to help them with specification or maintenance advice to keep their machines ready to work and earn. Performance, productivity and reliability are central to the Rokbak brand and we are committed to ensuring all customers experience these benefits, whatever challenges they face,” said Thomas Schmitt, Rokbak’s Customer Support Manager for Europe, Russia and CIS countries.