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Volvo FM 420 8x4 ‘Not a soft option – it’s a smooth operator’
One constant challenge for road transport operators in Ireland as well as elsewhere is specifying the right equipment, be it trucks, trailers or ancillaries. In the construction sector it is not unusual to load out from a chassis-bending quarry in the morning and deliver topsoil for garden landscaping in the afternoon. A super tough quarry truck like Volvo Truck’s FMX is one option but may not be necessary for a lot of operators. Thankfully there is also a more standard option available, suitable for distribution and for off-road work at quarries or sites with poor access. It’s the Volvo Trucks FM series, which has been refreshed lately.
FLEETTRANSPORT | SEPT-OCT 21
This new version maintains Volvo Trucks’ preference for gradual evolution across its model lineup. With FM, the Swedish brand’s familiar features are easily identifiable. The profile is softer than the FMX, making it more appealing when viewed in traffic, with a slightly lower stance. The sloping side-window and vision panel in the near-side door improves the driver’s area of vision, as do the lower windscreen and narrow slimmer mirror frames. These factors are becoming increasingly important, especially for trucks that operate in the urban environment where close contact with vulnerable road users is almost unavoidable. All-round visibility is further enhanced with a practical camera system that does not overload the driver with too many irrelevant screen options. FM has a two step climb to access the cab compared to the FMX’s three. This suits the area of operation as it does not need the same ground clearance as the heavier duty models. Once inside, the FM is unmistakably Volvo. There is a distinct sense of refinement and a build quality some OEMs would do well to copy. The well-designed layout and functionality of the driving position, switchgear and all controls have
progressed to become class-leading. It is easy to see why the new Volvo FM was a deserved recipient of the prestigious ‘Red Dot’ Design Awards. The driver can select a choice of data displays on the digital dashboard with more choices offered on the 9” infotainment display screen. While we sometimes question the value of these screens, Volvo Trucks has put this technology to good use by making the complete owners/drivers’ manual available for the driver to access whenever needed. Importantly, the information displayed is specifically related to that particular chassis number. This means, if the truck was not specified with (for example) Air Suspension or Volvo Dynamic Steering - you won’t find it in the manual.
This test model was fitted with a sleeper cab and was more than well
