COATBRIDGE-based plant repair and hose replacement specialist IHS (Independent Hydraulic Services) Scotland has invested in a Volvo FH 460 32-tonne 8×2 rear lift and steer truck with Hiab X-HiPro 658 EP-6 fitted crane.
The truck comes with a Globetrotter cab, beavertail body and hydraulic ramps, tipped to make it extremely versatile and support the firm’s projects across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
“The Hiab is something I’d been thinking about for a while,” IHS founder Duncan Don told Project Plant. “The opportunity came about, and we decided to take it.
“We’re buying the truck from MV Commercial. We currently support MV doing hydraulic work so it’s nice to be able to put something back and go back to a supplier to buy from them and keep it local.”
Duncan explained the inclusion of a sleeper cab gives the option if the business wishes to travel further afield or if a job takes longer than anticipated. The cab boasts air conditioning, a night heater, electric windows, sun roof and fridge/freezer.
“There’s a decent-sized crane,” Duncan added. “We have the option of putting a trailer on the back so we can carry, for example, two containers or pieces of plant. That’s the idea. We haven’t got the trailer yet, but that should follow as the truck has a VBG coupling.”
IHS was founded in 2007 and has grown steadily since then. Even during the pandemic, the business was able to carry on due to its role in servicing key projects like wind farms and local authority work. The firm is also active in the sawmill sector and offers on-site welding services as part of its one-stop shop approach. IHS currently has seven employees and has its sights set on further growth.
“I would like to think this purchase is going to push us on again,” Duncan said. “If we’re taking on bigger jobs it gives us the option of getting our equipment on site quicker and being more reactive.
“Previously we had to hire in, which wasn’t a bad thing, but the opportunity just makes sense.
“The biggest opportunities will probably be getting the chance to support our customers when we’re not only doing the hydraulic hose and maintenance side of their machinery; we can actually have our own Hiab there if we need it for backup, lifting or delivering materials to site for them.”
Duncan explained there’s ‘plenty’ of work at the moment, though like everybody else, the price of fuel is an increasing challenge.
At the time of interview, the truck was being prepared to feature on MV Commercial’s stand at TruckFest Scotland 2022.
“A few people will probably be quite surprised that we’ve managed to get this over the line,” Duncan added. “The truck’s been completely shot blasted down to the chassis. It’s been fully painted, including the cab. Pretty much everything’s been done to it.”
The firm is now set to go on the road with it, hoping the increased flexibility it offers will help drive the business forward even further in the years to come.
