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136 
DEALER AND AUCTIONEER
Page 50
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THOMAS HARDIE ris
Graham Smith is managing director of Thomas Hardie UVS (Used Vehicle Sales), based at Middlewich. His stock of up to 90 Volvos covers the full weight range, but he told us: "The only FM7s we have sold have been demonstrators. There are not enough of them out in the market for me to have had any experience with them yet.
"As new vehicles they appeal to a wide spectrum of operators; in particular owner-drivers with good contracts seem to have latched on to the four-wheeler. If they have a good contract they are willing to make the extra investment in the FM. It is a fine alternative to the lighter F16, which is still an excellent tool.
"The FM7 is a good product. it's almost two years old, and is proving relatively fault-free. As the ever-increasing demand for more power continues there will always be a demand for the higher horsepower vehicle, but most 4x2s are still specified with the 250hp engine and the 290hp is specified for 26 tonnes. In the future the FM7 four-wheeler is likely to win over the FL6 because of bigger engines and extra power. They are being used for long-distance work, some with the Globetrotter cab option at 26 tonnes and on the 4x2 with a drawbar trailer. Traditionally models with factory-fitted options, such as three-axled tractive units, always sell at a premium compared to those that have been converted,"