TEST I

The concept behind Volvo Trucks’ launch of the FMX in 2010 was to provide operators with a dedicated truck that could be sent straight to work in any area of the construction and allied industries. The unit came with many features suggested by those involved within the sector and this no doubt helped to make FMX a success from day one. Fleet Transport had the opportunity to try out the latest incarnation of FMX to see how it has developed over the decade since its launch.

Across its model range, Volvo Trucks has completed a full revamp of its line-up including FMX. The new cab’s updated profile offers a more futuristic styling to the truck while managing to leave no doubt regarding its potential to do the job. FMX retains the yellow exterior

markings which have always distinguished the model from its stablemates and highlight the close links to the world-renowned Volvo Construction Equipment which was always the intention. This has worked well for Volvo Group when a large contractor can buy construction plant/machinery and construction trucks from one manufacturer with much of the equipment sharing many common parts and components.

Three well-spaced non-slip steps, the lowest of which is flexible, all help to bring the driver to a roomy cab. Even though this is a day cab the new FMX delivers a sense of space that will please any driver. The centre roof hatch allows plenty of light to enter the cab and this is further enhanced by the vision window in the near-side door. Once there is no passenger aboard, this window improves the driver’s area of visibility, which from the driver’s seat is first class through either the redesigned and lowered side windows or to the rear in the mirrors. Volvo’s clever semi-circular storage unit mounted on the rear wall makes good use of what would be under normal circumstances wasted space, and adds to the already abundant level of bins and lockers.

The steering column, adjusted by the familiar foot pedal offers a wide range of adjustments. When combined with the multi-adjustable seat, all drivers should have no difficulty finding their preferred position. As one would expect from Volvo, the ergonomic layout of the switchgear on the semi-curved dashboard is excellent, as are the new high-resolution screens. Though as we keep alluding to, a few minutes spent getting familiar with the truck is time well spent. This is especially true of our test unit which came with a handheld remote control that allows the driver to operate a wide range of functions including the tailgate locks, tipping gear, and load-cover remotely. This device is a requirement on an increasing number of quarries and sites that insist the driver is out of the cab while loading and tipping operations are ongoing.

The build quality, materials used, and the finish of the interior is exemplary and more in keeping with an executive class passenger car. This includes the infotainment system which automatically transforms to display images from the multitude of cameras mounted on all sides and the rear. It is worth noting that we found this system to be one of the better units as it did not try to be too clever, it just displayed a relevant clear image at the appropriate time. This compares favourably to more recent versions which display a multitude of images at once and serve only to create confusion.

Once familiar with the general controls we headed off to the quarry to get loaded and for a little play in the sandpit. Around the quarry loaded or empty there was no area of ground we found that the FMX could not take in its stride. Using the previously mentioned hand-held control we could get out of the cab to oversee the loading and sheeting, and once sorted we set off for the on-road section.

Once loaded the only slight difference we found was that the 8x4 was a little less bouncy than when empty. The full load of stone made

NEW Volvo FMX – On & Off-Road Test!

little impact on the performance of the FMX’s 460hp D13 in-line six engine. The Euro 6 D13 is a competent, wellproven, and widely used engine that offers 2,300 Nm of torque from 900 r/ min. This level of pulling power at low revs is well suited to off-road and quarry work and ensured the FMX unit had no difficulty with the load. Although for the extremely weight-conscious operator there is always the option of Volvo’s 11 litre offered with power ratings of at 430 or 460hp. Nevertheless, the D13 is well matched to Volvo’s long-serving I-Shift transmission and delivers a smooth easy drive. I-Shift automated gearbox has benefitted again from a further software update and is now arguably the leading heavy-duty transmission available to operators today. The I-Shift selector remains to the left of the driver’s seat and the newly redesigned selector is the epitome of good functional design especially when selecting ratios manually, when necessary or when the mood takes. Updates to the transmission include I-Shift Off-Road Mode, a crawler gear and a facility to change the direction of travel at speeds below 15k/ ph.

The test run covered all types of roads from narrow rough quarry tracks to national roads and motorways, and on all sections, the FMX behaved flawlessly. The drive was helped by Volvo’s Dynamic Steering (VDS), and while not all drivers are fans of VDS it is one that we are generally in favour of. FMX is as solid and assured on the road as it is off-roading at slow speeds where the benefits of VDS can be appreciated to a greater extent. Unlike many other vehicles, FMX is designed and built as a construction truck which means it comes equipped with the specific tools to do the job. Tools such as extra ground clearance, simple to use and engage-able while driving, diff and inter-axle locks, 25-tonne towing pin, headlight protectors and robust easily replaceable bumper are all welcome additions to make the driver’s life easier.

Originally FMX was a good idea and a good addition to the Volvo Trucks line-up in 2010. Nevertheless, over the past decade, FMX has developed its own identity wherein has become almost a stand-alone brand itself, well regarded for its robust no-nonsense performance.

SPEC CHECK

Make Volvo Truck Corporation Model / Chassis / Cab FMX / 8x4 – 5,100mm Wheelbase - Day Cab Engine DK13K460 (12.8 litre) - 6-Cylinder, Euro 6 Step D Rated Power 338 kW (460 Hp) 1,400 – 1,800 rpm Rated Torque 2,300 Nm @ 900 – 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 XZY 3 - 385/65 R22.5 Drive Axles: Michelin X Works - 315/80 R22.5 Alcoa Brushed Aluminium

Endurance Brake

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