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Volvo adds to construction truck spec

17 Sep 15 Volvo Trucks has introduced five new options for its FMX construction trucks.

A Volvo FMX truck in action
A Volvo FMX truck in action

The Volvo FMX was launched in 2010 and overhauled in 2013. Now more options are being made available to improve their performance for construction-related applications.

These are :

1)         Volvo Dynamic Steering for dual front axles (8x2 and 8x4 models).

Volvo Dynamic Steering, which was launched in 2013, is now also available on trucks with dual front axles. Volvo Dynamic Steering consists of an electric motor that compensates for vibration and steering wheel movement while minimising the amount of force needed to steer the truck. It makes it easier to turn the wheels at low speed and the steering wheel returns automatically to the straight-ahead position after full lock, saving the driver both time and effort.

2)         Increased front axle loads, dual front axles (8x2 and 8x4 models).

The Volvo 8x2 and 8x4 models with dual front axles are available with 16 or 18-tonne shared load capacity. Volvo have now increased the maximum technical capacity from 18- (2 x 9-tonne) to 20-tonnes (2 x 10-tonne).

3)         Five-axle trucks (10x4 and 10x6).

To meet the demand for heavier applications both on highways and in construction, Volvo Trucks is now launching factory-built five-axle combinations. The two front axles can permit up to 20-tonnes maximum load and the three rear axles can handle up to 36-tonnes (24-tonnes in the UK) on special operations, resulting in both increased payload and greater flexibility for customers. This solution is suitable for concrete pumps and larger truck-mounted crane trucks that need uniform axle load distribution and operate as special vehicles.

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4)        Rear air suspension in combination with Volvo FMX all-wheel drive models.

The possibility of combining an air-suspended rear axle with a driven front axle adds to comfort. Whereas leaf springs are generally dimensioned for the heaviest weights, air suspension offers the flexibility of adjustment to suit the weight of the load. This results in a smoother driving experience and less wear on truck, driver and road surface, Volvo says. Thanks to less vibration – especially when the truck is unladen – the driver can maintain a higher average speed on rough construction sites.

5)         Electronic Brake System for drum brakes

Customers who specify drum brakes for operation in particularly dusty or wet conditions can now benefit from the advantages of Volvo’s Electronic Brake System (EBS). The system’s electronics give access to a range of intelligent functions such as Hill Start Aid for better control (preventing roll backs) on steep gradients. Safety is also improved thanks to integration of engine braking and retarder function, known as brake blending. In addition to improved brake function, EBS in combination with drum brakes also offers access to Volvo Dynamic Steering and more efficient gear changes for I-Shift receives much better vehicle data from the electronic braking system.

“We want to be the leading brand in the construction segment just as we are in long haul,” said Volvo Trucks vice president Ricard Fritz. “These new options and models in combination with our completely updated product range clearly sets a new standard for what a construction truck can deliver.”

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