Benjamin Olsen spends his days in a Valtra Q305. Construction-company Skanska is building the new western corridor on the E18 between Fornebu and Ramstadsletta just outside Oslo, and Olsen does everything from transporting heavy machinery and fill material to maintaining exposed site roads.
Driver Benjamin Olsen is very happy with his Valtra Q305. It is a large, powerful tractor that allows him to carry out his work in comfort, without getting unnecessarily tired. Photo: Lars Ovlien.
– This is a big construction site. We provide various services as required using a Valtra Q305 with a factory-fitted FMG front-mounted blade, which we use to maintain the site roads. It’s been a wise investment. We get good feedback on the road quality from both those driving ordinary cars on the site, and those operating excavators, says Benjamin Olsen, a driver for Widme AS.
The company is owned by Valtra sales representative Odd Arne Widme at Akershus Traktor Vinstra, and is a subcontractor to Skanska, who is building the new E18 past Fornebu towards Ramstadsletta. Olsen has varied working days.
– We move heavy equipment using a Gigant machine trailer, have a water tanker that we use for cleaning, sucking up water and dust suppression, as well as a tipper trailer for moving all types of loose material. In addition, we have a broom, a salt spreader and a grit spreader.
In the six months since Olsen started using the Q-series in October 2025, it has clocked up almost 1,200 hours.
Q305 hos Widme AS
The Widme AS Q-series is fitted with additional weights so that the factory-fitted FMG blade can keep the site roads in the best possible condition.
Q305 hos Widme AS
The construction of the new E18 westbound between Lysaker in Bærum and Drengsrud in Asker is a major undertaking. The Valtra Q305 is playing its part.
Q305 hos Widme AS
The Q305 is an easy-to-drive heavy-duty tractor with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), perfect for large and heavy machinery. With additional weights in the wheel rims and at the front, it weighs 12.7 tonnes.
– The Q305 is an easy-to-drive powerhouse with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), perfect for our needs with large and heavy equipment. With additional weights in the rims and at the front, it weighs 12.7 tonnes, which comes in handy when we’re clearing gravel roads. What’s more, it’s very comfortable to drive, with a quiet cab and a good driver environment. I really feel that my comfort as a driver has been taken care of.
The E18 West Corridor is a 17 km stretch of new main road between Lysaker in Bærum and Drengsrud in Asker, west of Oslo. Construction work is currently underway between Fornebukrysset and Ramstadsletta. The upgrade of one of the country’s busiest roads is due to be completed in 2030.
– We can’t afford much downtime, so fortunately we receive outstanding service from Akeshus Traktor Jessheim. Both the workshop manager and the mechanics are there for us when we need them. We also like to keep it in good condition, so my colleague Tore Hallum and I ensure regular maintenance on our part, emphasises Olsen.
