On the (mini) buses’ with Pickrell's new Volvo FE
HW Pickrell, of Billericay in Essex, has replaced their 1987 Volvo truck with a new model. The E-reg FL6 has finally retired from the wheelchair-accessible vehicle supplier’s service to make way for an FE-280 rigid, which will be used to deliver minibuses and ambulances nationwide.
The new Volvo FE is equipped with a 9-speed manual transmission and Volvo's 2-metre long medium cab option. Like its predecessor, it is built to a 4x2 wheel plan and features Bell Recovery Systems vehicle transporter bodywork, which, with integral wheel chains and both ramps and front wheel lifts, can transport two 28-seat minibuses simultaneously.
"The FL6 had done well over half a million miles," says Chris Jeakins, a Director of HW Pickrell. "It did have a new engine, but the reliability was excellent. The FL6 gave us such good service that Volvo was the natural choice when we decided we needed a new vehicle. For a fairly small family firm, the new FE is a big investment but it's a sound one - especially if this one lasts us twenty years, too! Besides, we work hard - if we can't treat ourselves, what's the point?"
For Chris, the FE is indeed a treat. "There's simply no comparison with the old truck," he states. "It's like getting out of a Mini into a Rolls-Royce!"
Supplying Dealer MC Truck and Bus at Thurrock will take over the maintenance. As Chris explains, "In the past, we've always done our own repairs and maintenance, but changes in technology mean we'd rather leave it to the Volvo Dealer. We've always used MC for Genuine Volvo Parts and we're confident they'll keep giving us superb support."
MC's West Thurrock workshops may even find themselves dealing with the old FL6, too. "There was enough life left in it that we've sold it to another operator," says Chris. "It's not ready for the Great Scrapyard in the sky just yet!"
