Hartshorne steams in to meet haulier’s demands

 WALSALL-based truck dealer, the Hartshorne Group has supplied a giant Volvo tractor unit and trailer to a Midland heavy haulage company which has an interesting sideline in vintage steam engines.  

Hartshorne, which has recently been acquired by Yorkshire group Crossroads, has supplied a new Volvo FH 13-litre 6×4 double-drive tractor unit and a four-axle heavy duty trailer to Nottingham-based J Swingler Transport to add to its five-strong fleet. It is the fourth Volvo that Swingler’s has bought from Hartshorne.

The new vehicle will mainly be used to transport heavy plant and road planers for motorway construction, but it will also be used to carry vintage steam engines to functions and rallies around the country.  

Swinglers, based in West Bridgford, has more than 25 years experience in haulage for the construction industry, as well as carrying manufacturing plant and fabrications, agricultural equipment and tracked and railway vehicles.

The company also has a collection of vintage steam engines, including two showmans’ engines, a steam roller and a collection of vintage tractors. These working engines are exhibited at shows, rallies and promotional events, and are also used for weddings, and occasionally funerals.

Anthony Thompson, whose father-in-law began the company, said the new Volvo – in classic coachwork livery – would join the other Volvos on his fleet which did sterling work for haulage customers across the country.

The Hartshorne Group is the Volvo Trucks agent for the Midlands, with 12 depots across central England.