CHANGES SWEEP RIGHT THROUGH THE RANGE
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Only models at the heavy end of Sweden's biggest truck maker's product line are unaffected by the most radical revision of any range in recent years. Bill Brock describes the new models which include the smallest yet offered by the manufacturer in this country
/N ONE of the biggest and most sweeping model clearouts in years, Volvo is replacing all but the heaviest end of its range sold in Britain. The F6, F7 and — to a large extent — the F10 are giving way to a new range based on two completely different low-profile cabs. At the same time, the Swedish company is spreading its net wider by offering, for the first time in Britain, 12and 14-tonne versions of the smallest of the new vehicles.
The new model families comprise the FL6, FL7 and F10: "F" for forward control, as before, "L" for the lowprofile cab, and the numeral for approximate engine capacity in litres, also as before.
The FL models are the result of a seven-year, £90 million development programme and have in addition to the new cabs, significantly modified engines and new chassis frames. Like its predecessor, the FL6 will be built at Ghent in Belgium, although the cab is made in Sweden. The FL7 and FL10 will be built in Sweden, with selected FL7/10 models being built at Irvine; HO models currently made at the Scottish plant will be transferred back to Sweden.
The introduction of this new range of 12-38-tonne vehicles gives Volvo one of the most complicated truck line-ups M Europe. It now has five different cabs in volume production: the F4 Club of Four variant not seen here so far; the FL6; the FL7/10; the older F10/12; and the N10/12. And it will still he making small numbers of the old F7 cab for the special Swiss version of the F12 and for US and Australian models.
The FL6, which replaces and extends the F6 range further down the weight band, has a Volvo-designed and manufactured low cab suitable from the outset for use on trucks of up to 28 tonnes. It also meets strict Swedish impact requirements.
Driver access to the low-floor cab is helped by wide, low-door apertures and a 90 deg opening angle of the cab doors.
Inside the cab, the driver's visibility is improved by 20 per cent more glass than on the F6. Observation windows in the doors, similar to those on the Ford Cargo, help close-up visibility.
One crew seat is supplied as standard; a second may be specified, as may a folding bunk. Full sleeper or crew cab conversions will be available to order.
An updated engine, the turbocharged TD61, is fitted in the FL6 and has maximum power ratings (gross to the ISO standard) of 134kW (180hp) or 154kW (207hp). Volvo has developed the engine to increase reliability and extend service life, and it is billed as having lower fuel consumption than its predecessors.
Five-, sixand eight-speed manual gearboxes are offered, with automatics available for some applications.
Volvo air suspension, with 230nini (9in) height adjustment, is offered as an alternative to rear tapered leaf or multileaf springs.
Three basic FL6s are offered here. The FL612 is a rigid 12-tonner powered by the 134k W (180hp) TD61GS; the FL614 is a 14-tonne-gvw rigid delivery vehicle, tipper or tractive unit for 24tonne-gvw operation with the same engine; and the FL616 16.3-tonner is similar to the FL614, but has stronger frame, axles and transmission components and has the TD61F 154k' (207hp) engine. As a tractive unit, the FL616 is suitable for 28-tonne-gcw operation.
The FL7 is a direct replacement for the F7, while the FL10 is a more powerful successor and a new stablem for the F10 and F12 which remain in production.
The new cab in these models has greater internal dimensions than the Club of Four cab which it replaces, an is large enough to accommodate the FL10's larger engine without any detrimental effect.
Its glazed area, at 3.2m2 is 10 per cc greater than on the F7, and driver comfort has been further enhanced by dashboard curved towards the driver, adjustable steering wheel, and such an efficient coil spring and damper mounting system that Volvo fits a fixt driver's seat as standard.
It believes this gives drivers more precise mastery of pedals, steering wh and other controls, but an air-sprung seat with adjustable lumbar support is available as an option.
Seven-litre engines, developed from the TD70 range in the F7, are fitted in the FL7. The TD71F develops 172kW (230hp) and the TD71FS develops 183kW (245hp). Both offer lower specific fuel consumption and, in the case of the TD71FS, cleaner exhausts n idling and cold starting.
or the FL10, the 2231CW 1299hp)101F Intercooler engine from the is used.
ried and tested eightand 16-speed and R/SR62 gearboxes are standard, automatic gearboxes are offered on te models.
ir wedge type brakes are standard ipment for the FL6, but FL7 and 0 models have the lighter Z-cam :es with anti-locking brake system as iption.
he new FL7 and FL10 have singleaction rear axles. Threeand four axle chassis may be specified with one of four different bogies.
Rear steer is available for 6 x 2 tractive units for coupling to within 15.5m overall length.
A-ride is designed for on-road 6 x 2 and 8 x 2 chassis and may be specified with bogie lift. The bogie is rated at 18.3 tonnes.
L-ride is a 6 x 4 and 8 x 4 bogie rated at 18_8 tonnes for normal road use.
T-ride, also for 6 x 4 and 8 x 4 chassis, is a bogie rated at 20 tonnes and specified when the vehicle is to be used on construction work. Although the new Volvo ranges make their first public appearance at the Frankfurt motor show, which runs from September 12 to 22, British operators must wait for the Scottish show in November before seeing them on their own soil.