Volvo trucks ... built for severe applications.
Volvo gets tough on rough terrain
01 September 2016
New features like automatic traction control, a heavy-duty bumper, added axle loads and five-axle options put Volvo Trucks in a strong position.
Volvo Trucks recently introduced five new features, including the Volvo dynamic steering for dual front axles and increased front axle loads, in line with its efforts to boosts productivity within the construction sector.
In addition to introducing a heavy-duty bumper for the Volvo FH series and an industry-first automatic traction control function for the Volvo FMX, it has added additional features which include dynamic steering for dual front axles; increased front axle loads, dual front axles; five-axle trucks, 10 by 4 and 10 by 6; rear air suspension in combination with driven front axle (Volvo FMX); and electronic brake system for drum brakes.
“Volvo trucks have a solid reputation for their quality and drivelines. By adding new, innovative features, we give our customers access to a broader range of options and unique ways to improve productivity,” says Ricard Fritz, vice-president of Volvo Trucks Brand.
Volvo dynamic steering for dual front axles allows much lower turning resistance at low speeds, with the steering wheel returning automatically to the straight-ahead position after full lock, cutting out the need for added effort in close-quarter manoeuvring and saving the driver both time and energy.
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A five-axle truck. |
Heavy-duty trucks with dual front axles increase the maximum capacity from 18 to 20 tonnes, giving customers both improved productivity and added flexibility. On a four-axle truck with a gross weight of 32 tonnes, the load bed is also longer and there is greater flexibility regarding where to place a load such as gravel in a tipper body.
In many markets including the Middle East, the trend is towards increased gross combination weights of between 50 and 76 tonnes. In order to meet the demand for heavier applications both on highways and in construction, Volvo Trucks is now offering factory-built five-axle combinations. The two front axles permit up to 20 tonnes maximum load and the three rear axles can handle up to 36 tonnes, resulting in both increased payload and greater flexibility for customers. This solution is also suitable for concrete pumps and large crane trucks that need uniform axle load distribution. By reducing pressure on the axles, many of these vehicles can be transported over longer distances, resulting in both faster transportation and increased income potential.
Meanwhile, the new possibility of combining an air-suspended rear axle with a driven front axle permits the highest level of comfort even for trucks with all-wheel drive. Air suspension offers the flexibility of adjustment to suit the weight of the load, in addition to ground clearance of at least 300 mm.
Another innovative feature, Volvo’s electronic brake system (EBS) gives access to a range of intelligent functions such as hill start aid for better control on steep gradients. Safety is also improved thanks to integration of engine braking and retarder function. In addition to improved brake function, EBS in combination with drum brakes also offers access to Volvo dynamic steering (not with drive to the front wheels) and more efficient gear changes since I-Shift obtains some of its information from the electronic braking system.
“We want to be the leading brand in the construction segment just as we are in long haul. These new features in combination with our completely updated product range clearly sets a new standard for what a construction truck can deliver,” says Fritz.
In addition to the Volvo FMX, Volvo FH and Volvo FH 16, the construction vehicle range includes the Volvo FL with four-wheel drive and gross weight of 18 tonnes, and Volvo FE with maximum gross weight of 26 tonnes.
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Volvo FH with the new heavy-duty bumper. |
Traction control
Volvo Trucks’ new automatic traction control feature activates the drive on the front axle automatically when in motion, if the truck risks getting stuck. With this, Volvo Trucks is the first truck manufacturer in the world to offer automatic engagement of all wheel drive on construction trucks.
Automatic traction control is now standard in the Volvo FMX with driven front axle and is already used by Volvo construction equipment in its articulated haulers.
The solution consists of software connected to the wheel speed sensors which detect and control wheel drive. When a rear wheel starts to slip, the power moves automatically to the front wheels without the truck losing torque or speed. A dog clutch activates the front-wheel drive in just half a second.
“Automatic traction control is yet another example of how innovative technology can make things easier and smarter than before. Just like the Volvo I-Shift revolutionised the gearbox, we are confident that this new development will do the same for the driven front axle,” says Fritz.
Heavy-duty bumper
Volvo Trucks is also strengthening the Volvo FH offer by introducing a new heavy duty bumper making the truck more suitable for rugged roads and rougher applications. The bumper has been extended 132 mm forward in order to take the first hits in rough conditions, protecting other vital parts. The new heavy duty bumper is based on the same engineering concept as the front of the Volvo FMX.
The elevated position of the bumper contributes to the excellent approach angle, which is over 20 degrees on vehicles with the extra-high construction chassis that was also introduced on the Volvo FH in 2014.
“The design challenge was to make the front robust without standing out too much visually. The lines of the wedge-shaped steel corners flow smoothly towards the centre of the bumper. This creates a discreet, sturdy expression that doesn’t alter the unique, premium image of the Volvo FH,” says Rikard Orell, design director of Volvo Trucks.
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Volvo FMX with automatic traction control ... improved driveability and fuel economy. |
Other developments
Meanwhile, the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 sleeper cabs are now available as an extra-low roof version, designed specifically for mining operations with high demands on productivity or service applications where height is restricted.
“Certain customers need both low cab height and high load capacity. The Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 with low cab roof offer them the possibility of a vehicle with up to 750 horsepower and a gross combination weight of 120 tonnes,” says Roger Brorsson, product manager for Volvo FH at Volvo Trucks.
The roof has been lowered by 190 mm and is entirely flat. With a total height of 3.2 m, this version fits conveniently within the regular 3.4-m height limit of mine tunnels.
Among other developments, Volvo Trucks’ new function, Tandem axle lift, makes it possible to disengage and raise the second driven axle. This gives better road grip and up to four per cent lower fuel consumption when the truck is driven without a load. The new function is designed for heavy duty transports with loads being carried one way and empty return trips.
“With Tandem Axle Lift, the second driven axle can be disengaged and its wheels raised off the road when the truck is driven empty. This offers many advantages, of which the foremost is fuel savings. Driving with the second driven axle raised saves up to four per cent in fuel compared with having all the axles lowered,” says Jonas Odermalm, construction segment manager at Volvo Trucks.
Tandem axle lift is available for the Volvo FM, Volvo FMX, Volvo FH and Volvo FH16.
