Bauma 2013: Volvo refreshed construction truck FMX
Volvo Trucks reveals the new Volvo FMX at the Bauma exhibition in Munich, Germany. The new construction truck is loaded with innovations that benefit haulers as well as drivers. The everyday working conditions of the construction truck driver were in firm focus during the development of the new Volvo FMX. The cab interior has been totally redesigned and a number of innovations make the driver's job both easier and more efficient.
"Our groundbreaking Volvo Dynamic Steering is a fantastic improvement, especially for a construction driver. It will result in less muscle strain and relive drivers of neck, arm and back aches. Even at low speeds a heavily loaded truck is so easy to manoeuvre that you can steer it with one finger," says Claes Nilsson. Among the other new features is a rear air suspension system that provides enhanced comfort and get-you-there ability with excellent ground clearance.
The new Volvo FMX cab is made of high-tensile steel. All components in the front structure have been redesigned - and a large number of them have been moved in order to make the new Volvo FMX more robust in rough construction environments. Just as on the Volvo FH and FM, Volvo's classic iron mark has been moved up to a new position below the windscreen. On the construction truck the iron mark is even larger and the diagonal bar is thicker and colour-coded to match the black background. A practical handle is integrated into the grille design. The bumper has a more muscular design. It is a three-piece unit, with the upturned middle section flanked by two separate, robust corners that are made of 3 mm thick steel. The middle section, which double up as a handy step, is made by elastic, non-cracking material that handles low-speed impacts better than the previous solution. The redesigned headlamps with their distinctive, angled lines are made even sturdier and offer enhanced light performance. Their design emphasises the family connections with other new Volvo trucks.
The cab interior in the new Volvo FMX has been entirely redesigned, with the focus on giving the driver a comfortable and ergonomic workplace. The cab has more space for the driver and more storage options compared with the previous model. The driver benefits from a better driving interface. The new seat can be tilted forward another four degrees and the backrest is 10 millimetres slimmer than before. The steering wheel is equipped with integrated control buttons for multiple functions, including cruise control, phone and navigation, etc. The new all-black instrument panel is now angled even further towards the driver.
"The patented Volvo Dynamic Steering system benefits all drivers, but its advantages are most noticeable when driving at low speeds. The effortless steering makes the construction truck driver's job far easier," says Claes Nilsson, President of Volvo Trucks. An electronically controlled electric motor attached to the steering gear is the big technological innovation. The electric motor works together with the hydraulic power steering and is regulated thousands of times per second by its electronic control unit. In this way, the dynamic steering system addresses the most frequent occupational injuries suffered by commercial vehicle drivers. Another benefit is that Volvo Dynamic Steering self-centres automatically when reversing.
The suspension system features automatic ride-height control and with ground clearance of 300 millimetres the result is excellent get-you-there ability. Air suspension is available with the 4x2, 6x4 and 8x4 axle configurations. Since the anti roll bar is positioned in the bogie, the vehicle gets an excellent stability. At the same time there are no unprotected suspension components behind the truck's last axle.
The new Volvo FMX is available with a choice of 11- and 13-litre Euro 6 engines. The D13 has power outputs from 380 to 540 horsepower, while the D11 spans the range from 330 to 450 horsepower. For markets outside Europe, engines adapted for Euro 3, Euro 4 and Euro 5 will be available. In order to meet the Euro 6 requirements, the engine has been equipped with a non-cooled EGR system for recirculation of exhaust gases. This optimises exhaust gas temperature and NOx levels for efficient after-treatment. The particulate filter is automatically regenerated during normal driving conditions and Volvo Trucks' patented service solution for the filter saves time and reduces costs for the customer.
Production of the new Volvo FMX for European customers starts in September 2013.
