Double-blown FL6 at lipCon
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by John Kendall
• A supercharged Volvo FL6 6x4 tipper is expected to make its debut at TipCon next spring. Series production of the D6A 250 Supercharger engine begins this month (CM 18-24 July), initially for mainstream FL6 rigids and artics. However tipper versions have long been rumoured.
The 5.5-litre, six-cylinder engine produces 247hp (184kW) at 2,400rpm with 6101bit (825Nm) of torque at 1,560rpm.
The Routes-type mechanical supercharger operates from tickover to 1,535rpm when it automatically disengages and the turbocharger takes over. Lowspeed torque has been boosted significantly: at 900rpin the engine pro duces around 53511bft (725Nm), approximately 88% of maximum and this figure is maintained all the way to the engine's rated maximum at 2,400rpm.
This makes it particularly well-suited to stop-start operations and PTO applications, such as tipper, mixer or refuse-collection work. The higher torque output at lower revs means a PTO could be used at lower-than-normal engine speeds. Reduced noise would be an advantage in urban operations.
Volvo's current FL7 260 6x4 chassis uses the heavier seven-litre engine and larger FL7/10 cab. The FL6 cab is smaller and lighter: the six-wheeler should tip the scales at a few hundred kilos less than the 7.3 tonnes we recorded for an FL7 260 6x4. Volvo is likely to restrict the chassis options to keep the FL6 6x4 weight down and avoid overlap with the FL7.