A 2020 Volvo FH 540 6×2 tow truck, supporting a 2015 Volvo FH16 750 8×4 heavy haulage tractor. The Swedish truck maker is our market leader in the segment of the road-legal behemoths.
When things are getting really heavy and tough, a powerful Volvo truck or tractor is often the preferred choice. Think logging, construction, special transport and long distance recovery.
Here’s the business end of the tow truck. The German Brechtel company supplied the Volvo’s body and tow equipment. (photo courtesy of Internationaal Bergingsbedrijf Hendriks)
The 750 hp tractor, when doing its own tow job. Its drive axles are the only non-steering axles of this whole, 10-axle combination (4-2-4). When you want to go beyond 16 liter engine displacement and 700 hp, your set of wheels will be Swedish anyhow: it’s either a Volvo or a Scania.
The tractor’s curb weight is 13,430 kg (29,608 lbs). Such a heavy haulage tractor never comes light-footed, though it’s merely a no-sweat workout for the Volvo & Brechtel couple.
Related article, two other top segment tow trucks:
CC Global: 2014 Volvo FMX 8×4 And Scania S650 6×2 – Your Crash Their Cash
Holy Moly! That is one heavy hauler! Thanks for the information. The heaviest cab-and-chassis that I remember driving weighed about 17,000 pounds, although I had to drive heavier units when equipped with bodies. Multiple steering axles are an engineering accomplishment. There are considerations for tire wear such as scuffing and physical conditions for balance. Thanks again! Tom
You’re welcome Tom!
The heaviest, standard-sized (wheels included) and road-legal tractors have a 10×4 drivetrain, as seen below. Another 750 hp Volvo, no surprise, weighing 15,380 kg (33,907 lbs).The first, second and fifth axle are the steering axles.
Full article here:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-global-2017-volvo-fh16-10×4-heavy-haulage-tractor-750-horses-at-work-video-included/
Are American trucks common there for heavy recovery?
The only American “conventional” trucks I ever saw in Scotland were recovery trucks. My assumption was that that was because they were slightly cheaper overall, and/or because they were eye-catching. And also that they would be common on the continent thanks to LHD.
For heavy recovery? No, Euro-cabovers only. That applies to all weight and size segments, for that matter. Both trucks and tractors. There’s a handful of Japanese cabovers driving around, but only up to 7.5 metric tons GVM. Nothing heavier.
US tractor units are bought and used for show- and special occasion reasons. Some are put to work though, like this one:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/cc-global-2007-peterbilt-386-6×4-tractor-pete-the-purring-cat/
I quite like Volvos to drive we have a couple of 8x4s 600 & 700hp with tipping bins towing 5 axle trailers with walking floors, they are quiet and comfortable with Ishift transmissions and multi stage exhaust brakes and retarders, not everyone likes the Volvo floating cabs, they are now taxed to 54,000kg down from 60,000kg as a money saving measure since the loads cant regularly meet the higher figure but at 60 tonne they both drove just fine and 9 axles of disc brakes with 32 tyres pull them up ok should the need arise.
Impressive! Post some pictures of that rig, if possible.
I drove a 2014 Pierce fire truck 100′ platform with a 500hp Detroit DD13. It was a little north of 49′ long, can’t remember the exact weight, but boy was it fun. I was on a fire dept for 35 years and drove several different trucks. I love big rigs and the Volvo’s are one of my favorites.
That’s one good looking tow truck! Really appreciate the details you provide in the post. I’m a long time heavy truck mechanic, upfitter and fleet manager so the specifications are always of interest to me.
Interestingly the recovery truck is operated by a Dutch company but has a German license plate.
Hendriks, with the HO in the Netherlands, has German and Romanian branches too, according to their own website.
Wow, that’s one impressive tow truck.