Stockport-based Robert Walker has taken delivery of two new Volvo FH 540 Dual Clutch
6×2 tractor units, each equipped with Globetrotter XL cabs and I-Park Cool to guarantee
its drivers maximum comfort on overnight shifts.
Supplied by Paul McNicholas, Customer Solutions Manager at Thomas Hardie Commercials,
the new FHs join a fleet of 43 trucks with the latest Volvo arrivals building on the two
companies’ strong relationship.
John Chapman, Workshop Manager at Robert Walker, says: “We’ve been firm fans of Volvo
since acquiring our first model back in 1999, so we’re well accustomed to Volvo’s high
product quality and driving performance. The new trucks may have only joined the fleet a few
weeks ago, but our drivers are already heaping praise on the extra space and the creature
comforts we’ve included. We’re very pleased with what they have delivered so far.”
Each truck is powered by a Euro-VI compliant D13K Step E engine, producing 540 hp and a
peak torque of 2,600 Nm. They are driven by Volvo’s popular automated 12-speed I-Shift
transmission, which has been enhanced with the manufacturer’s Dual Clutch system to
enable practically instantaneous gear shifts, ensuring no loss of power and a more efficient
and enjoyable driving experience.
The trucks’ spacious Globetrotter XL cabs have been fully kitted out for life on the road,
benefitting from a heated and suspended driver’s seat as well as a Drive+ package including
electric air conditioning with a carbon filter and sun, mist and air quality sensors, dual
armrests and leather upholstery.
Comfort is improved further thanks to a one bed Living+ package, complete with a reclining
bunk with a premium 50mm mattress topper and a luxury sleeper control panel. Also
onboard is a 33-litre under bunk mounted fridge and a microwave.
Volvo’s Media package with navigation provides a complete infotainment experience
including DAB radio and a dynamic 12-inch high-resolution instrument cluster with an
accompanying secondary colour information display.
The Globetrotter XL cab is spec’d as standard for all Robert Walker’s Volvos, but for its latest
FHs the company has also opted to add I-Park Cool. This intelligent overnight air conditioning
system, selected for the first time at the request of its drivers, helps to keep the cab at a
perfect temperature overnight, whatever the weather.
“Though our drivers persevered with the extremely high temperatures we saw last year,
ahead of this summer we wanted to make absolutely certain that they have all the tools they
need at their disposal to ensure a comfortable and cool night’s sleep,” says Chapman. “The
fact that I-Park Cool also has zero impact on fuel consumption is another huge benefit.”
To boost safety, the trucks also feature I-See predictive cruise control and Forward Collision
Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems. A Visibility+ package including LED
headlamps, electrically heated and operated rear view mirrors and rain sensing windscreen
wipers helps to provide a perfect view of the road.
Established in 1958, family-run Robert Walker specialises in the delivery of forklift trucks
across the UK and Ireland, with its drivers working Monday through Friday. Its new Volvo FH
trucks have been supplied on a three-year finance lease via Volvo Financial Services and are
expected to cover 120,000 km annually across the next seven to eight years.
