TEST

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.

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.

equipped for the overnighting driver (or when resting in the motorway works queue!), thanks especially to the full-width storage unit mounted across the rear wall. The standard roof hatch allows ample light into the cab and helps to brighten the interior even with dark coloured trims. Apart from our long-running gripe that there is no button to dump air from the driver’s seat, we could find little fault with the cab.

Possibly the best word to describe a drive in the new FM is ‘smooth’. For a tipper, this could be a term to be slightly cautious of, however the 8x4 drives more like a distribution truck. At the start of the test, the truck was unloaded and the gears changed quickly up through the direct drive 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission, as expected. After loading 20 tonnes of stone at a nearby quarry, it was time to take to the road again in earnest. Being loaded up seemed to make little, if any, difference to the 420hp FM. Apart from being marginally smoother on the road and gear selection timings being altered, the 12.8 litre diesel cruised with the load.

The FM is geared in such a way that the 2,100 Nm of torque comes in at a remarkably low 860 rpm and holds through to 1,400 rpm. This gives a sense that the DK13 engine is hardly working. When combined with improvements to soundproofing that achieve a 20% reduction in noise levels, the drive is exceptionally quiet. Volvo’s latest version of the I-Shift transmission is now changing ratios almost as smoothly as its I-Shift Dual Clutch. Volvo offers a choice of two engines for the FM, and some operators may prefer the lighter DK11 engine which is available in three power ratings from 330 to 460 hp. This option can achieve a weight saving of around 150 kgs. Although unable to measure the FM’s fuel consumption on the day, we believe that this FM 8x4 with the drivetrain presented could deliver valuable fuel savings for an operator.

The latest FM 8x4 as said, is a smooth truck to drive and has received the full Volvo Truck treatment that may have been somewhat missing for the tipper fraternity. The FM is now as wellequipped and finished with quality as any of the models from the marque’s catalogue. The truck is highly versatile and adaptable, making it well suited for Irish operators. While the majority of work here does not generally require the real heavyweight off-roaders, nevertheless drivers are often expected to deliver to some bizarre places and this is where a flexible and versatile truck like the FM comes into its own. In addition, the truck must also be able to tackle the rougher sites, especially when the bad weather sets in and conditions get more challenging.

Volvo’s FM 8x4 twin-steer is strong and smooth on the road and comes with a full range of the latest safety devices, driver aids and efficiency systems. Systems such as Cruise and Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist and Volvo Dynamic Steering are all included in the Volvo Safety Packages. Once back in the quarry, we couldn’t find anywhere that posed a serious difficulty for the FM. This we found interesting as the unit came with a 2.83:1 rear-axle configuration - not that typical for an 8x4. That said, all differential and inter-axle locks operated with ease and a light touch. This light touch extends to the remote controls for tipping and sheeting. In fact, the whole truck operates best with a gentle touch for all controls as it is truly a – ‘smooth operator’.

Text & Photos: Paul White – paul@fleet.ie

SPEC CHECk

Make Volvo Truck Corporation Model / Chassis / Cab FM / 8x4 Twin-Steer – 5,100mm WB / Sleeper Cab Engine DK13K420 (12.8 litre) - 6-Cylinder, Euro 6 Step D Rated Power 309 kW (420 hp) 1,400 – 1,800 r/min Rated Torque 2,100 Nm @ 860 – 1,400 r/min Transmission Volvo I-Shift (12-Speed AMT) AT2612F Braking Discs all round - ABS, EBS, EBA, Suspension Front / Rear Parabolic - Remote Control Drive Axle / Ratio RTS2370A / 2.83:1 Tyres & Wheels Steer Axle/s: Michelin Multi 3D XZE - 295/80 R22.5 Drive Axles: Michelin Multi 3D XDE - 295/80 R22.5 Alcoa Brushed Aluminium

Endurance Brake

Volvo Engine Brake + 375 kW @ 2300 r/min Safety Systems (Active Safety Package Safe-VE+) EBS, EBA, EBL, ESC, Hill Start, ACC, ASR, ESP, FCW, LCS, LKS, DAS, VDS Fuel / Ad Blue Capacities 255 litres / 57 litres Body Wilcox Aluminium Body/ Edbro Single Tipping Ram Gross weight as Tested 31,000 Kgs