HCR Recovery – the coach and LGV recovery specialists based in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire – have found their new Volvo FH as effective in competition as on the roads. Not only is the FH-460 “ideal for its job,” according to the company’s owner and co-Director, Peter Spencer, but it has also performed well at industry vehicles’ shows, enhancing HCR’s standing.
“This is our 4th Volvo,” says Peter, “and we find them to be ideal for our job. They offer good pulling power, they’re very reliable, the lads like to drive them and they hold their value well. They also look good, which is important for the company image; this one has just won the Best Presented Heavy Recovery Vehicle at the Belvoir show!”
The truck was bought used, as an 05 plated 4×2 tractor unit, and was converted by bodybuilders Boniface who fitted a Pioneer lift axle and a three-stage folding H-boom with a low lying crosshead – “perfect for going under the latest buses,” according to Peter. The body itself is in stainless steel and features a multi-locker layout - to accommodate a full range of tools, spares, recovery equipment and emergency kit - as well as a 5th wheel towing attachment. The cab is a Globetrotter XL in ‘Comfort‘ trim, equipped with air conditioning, CD player, fridge and safe.
Given their repair and recovery expertise, HCR will be handling the bulk of the maintenance on the new Volvo themselves. However, they will be relying on Volvo Dealerpoint Hartshorne (East Midlands) Ltd. at Alfreton for parts and technical support. “We get very strong back-up from Hartshorne,” says Peter. “They’ve been very good to us!”
