Volvo's FL12 mate on eight
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by Bryan Jarvis • Volvo has stepped up its attack on the UK eight-wheeler market with the launch of a 340hp version of its F1.12 tipper. Until now the F1,12 8x4 has only been offered at 380hp.
With the arrival of the new model Volvo has no less than five four-axle rigids on sale in the UK with engines from seven to 12 litres and power outputs from 285-380hp.
Powered by Volvo's electronically controlled 12.1-litre D12A in-line six, the Fl..12 340 will appeal to tipper operators looking for a more modestly powered stablemate to the FL12 380, introduced in the UK in the Autumn of 1995. With 1,550Nrn on tap it also delivers more torque than the 360hp FL10.
We've driven a laden FL12 340 demonstrator around part of CM's tipper test route and despite having around 10`'.',) less power and torque than the 380hp "big yin" there's no shortage of grunt for the gradients.
There's little lacking in the driveline either; it use the same big (17in/432mm) single-plate clutch, four-over-four R1700 nine-speed synchro box and single-reduction CTEV87 doubledrive bogie as the FL12 380.
It's all carried on three-leaf front parabolics and familiar Bride rear suspension, ably supported by anti-roll bars and heavy-duty hydraulic dampers.
Volvo sticks 12R 22.5in tyres on the front with 11Rs on the rear to complete a rugged and highly competent arrangement. Two wheelbases are offered5.1m and 5.6m; with 66 gallons of fuel and day cabs but they're a bit on the bulky side at 8,960kg and 9,040kg respectively.
There's the usual difflocks on and between the axles, and to increase the appeal Volvo has included its own engine brake as standard along with cruise control and a vertical Eminox stainless-steel exhaust stack.
Options include a longer (by 500mm/20in) sleeper cab; the standard day cab can be ordered with a cheaper vinyl trim in place of the leatherette vinyl in our test truck.
Those involved with freezing early-morning starts will appreciate its standard heated seats. but not if they drop their essentials over the other side of the engine hump: the rampant gearlever blocks cross-cab access so it's outside and around to the other side to retrieve them.
That apart, this is a quiet, cosy driving cockpit with all knobs, levers and dials either close to hand or easily viewed,
Impressions
Whether it's working on motorway repairs or in urban areas where ever-increasing numbers of speed restrictions are becoming the norm, the 340hp FL12 seems a handsome choice where performance is concerned.
On long fast stretches the limiter holds the mark at 1.650rpm, near the top of the economy band, and there's oodles of torque to let you drive quite efficiently within the green on the rev counter.
Our well-run-in 5.1m-wheelbase example, with its Dawbarn-covered Wilcox aluminium tipper body and Harsh underfloor gear, showed no hesitation in taking off smoothly in second before hopping to fourth and sixth gears over fairly level ground. It only needed a short burst in first when starting up ramps or obvious grades.
With more than 10,000km on the clock gear changes were pretty smooth; although we were too far from any stiff hills we were left in little doubt about its ability to tackle them.
Volvo's own engine brake also seems promising.
Once switched on via a knob on the dash it operates automat
ically and is noisy but effective, with a maximum retardation rating of 240kW.
The controls are light and the steering precise but the elements that really appeal are its pulling power, the chassis' excellent, quiet ride and the comfort of the big FL12 cab.
Drivers will certainly reflect on the familiar graunching accompaniment from older chassis when tackling roundabouts—there isn't any with this machine. Ram it through sharp turns and you'll detect a certain softness, especially at the front end, but the firm, quiet ride remains impressive.
The FL12 is a welcome contrast to the modern crop of small, compact cabs which do little for driver comfort. The first step is a tall one but inside it feels roomy.
There's also excellent allround visibility, especially through the unusual side door windows.
Although the FL12 340 is aimed at an industry sector that has been poorer, longer than any other, it has much to commend it.
Its price starts at /61,500 for the day-cabbed chassis, but if a likely customer can cross that hurdle then his driver will certainly relish the thought of being the chosen one.