Wiltshire-based Hills Waste Solutions has bought a new Volvo FM 8x4 Tridem for commercial waste collections in the county.

'In the past, we used the standard 8x4 rigid chassis,' said Hills depot manager Chris Boyd.

'However, the potential for overloading the rear axles has made us look for a better solution. By moving to the Tridem configuration, the problem has been resolved.

'The best thing about the new vehicle, from the driver's point of view, is that it is so manoeuvrable. That makes it safer in rural areas and in urban areas where there may be parked cars. Visibility from the new cab has been improved over the old model FM too.

'Hills were the first in the UK to operate the Tridem configuration nearly 10 years ago, but these latest vehicles are a big improvement over the old ones.'

The FM 8x4 Tridem that has gone into service with Hills Waste Solutions was specified with the 13-litre D13K420 engine, rated at 420hp, and Volvo's I-Shift automated gearbox.

The vehicle was supplied by Truck and Bus Wales & West, Swindon.