AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

Volvo has made a number of changes to its FM

15th September 2005
Page 66
Page 67
Page 66, 15th September 2005 — Volvo has made a number of changes to its FM
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

and FH ranges, but you may not spot them on the road Cohn Barnett reports.

With the way the world is going, trucks that are brand new from headlamp to tail light will become increasingly rare in future, New cabs, engines and interiors are more likely to be introduced piecemeal, which means we will allow Volvo to get away with describing its latest products as the "new" FM and FH.

Although Volvo has made many changes to the FM and FH ranges, even the keenest truck spotter will be challenged to identify them on the road.'The only real giveaway is that the engine size has been dropped from the grille badge, so that it now reads just FM or FH. Maybe this is superstition on Volvo's part, as we would otherwise be describing the FM13 and FH13.

Engines

As expected.Volvo's principal approach to Euro-4 and 5 is via the AdBlue SCR route, but it realises that some operators remain unconvinced.Aware there will still be those who have genuine chassis packaging issues that preclude fittingAdBlue tanks and those whojust don't want the bother, the Swedes are hedging their bets with the inclusion of a new D 12F version of the venerable 12-litre unit, using cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and an oxidising catalyst to achieve Euro-4.

The 12.1-litre D12F, available at 390hp/ 2,000Nm and 430hp/2,100Nm ratings, uses a new variable geometry turbocharger setup — the ingenious turbo-compound design that provided exceptional low-speed torque has fallen out of favour for the foreseeable future.

For most Volvo operators, though, there will be a D913 at 300,340 or 380hp, or a D13A at 400,440,480 as well as new 520hp ratings beneath the cab.

The four-valve per cylinder DI 3A is more than an uprated D12, as it shares its architecture with the current nine and 16-litre units, the principal difference being the rear mounted timing chain and associated ancillary drives. Ti shares the same 150mm bore as the D12, the extra capacity coming from a stroke of 138mm, Smm more.

Fuel delivery is by Delphi's latest E3 electronic unit injectors operating at around 2,000bar. Volvo experts believe the suitability of common-rail diminishes with size, with the benefit crossover point at around nine litres.

The same experts confirm that the next generation FL will be powered by the longexpected Deutz engine, presumably with common-rail.Volvo claims that the D13A's improved efficiency will give a fuel economy improvement up to 5 °A at comparable Euro-3 ratings. Other savings should come from 100,000km or 12-month oil drain intervals with the correct oil.

The power take-off, now mounted above the bell housing on the right hand side, can be specified with output uprated to 1,000Nm from the standard 650Nm.

Changes to the 9B are less radical,consisting mainly of improved cooling and lubrication systems, including potential 80,(X)Okm oil life. Both engine ranges can now be had with environmentally friendly closed crankcase ventilation.

All the new FM and FH models are available in Euro-3,4 and 5 versions.The relative pricing structure was unavailable as this feature was written, but the premium fora D13A at Euro-3 will be up to 3 %.The only difference between Euro-4 and 5 engines will be the size of the SCR catalyst unit and the AdBlue dose, Euro-4 will run at around 3-4%, rising to 5-7% for Euro-5.TheAdBlue itself will be carried in a variety of tank sizes designed to match the fuel capacity.

Transmissions

The UK market differs significantly from much of Europe. Not only is our ratio of higher FM to FH sales reversed from the continental trend, but we buy a lot more automated 'boxes. The I-Shift just outsells the manual options, whereas over the Channel it accounts for only around a third of the market.

So it's good news for the Brits that 1-Shift has been improved.A new design of rangechange synchroniser has removed 25nun and lkg from the current I-Shift, making its saving comparable with the equivalent manual 145mm and 71kg• Greatly increased computer processing power has improved response times and adaptive memory capacity.

There are now three versions of I-Shift, all with 12 ratios.The nearest to the current model is the V2412AT, with direct top and capacities of 2,400Nm and 44 tonnes.The V2512AT is similar, but with a torque capacity of 2,500Nm, which allows its use with the top rating for the first time.This is designed for operation at 60 tonnes as standard and up to 130 tonnes for approved operations:the third version is the V02512AT, an overdrive unit for 2.500Nm and 60 tonnes. A full range of accessories can be fitted, including a compact retarder and a PTO, which would be located on the opposite side to the engine PTO. For all applications below heavy mixer work, the transmission PTO can now be operated on the move.

On all versions the shift lever is simplified, discarding the L position thanks to an improved manual over-ride facilityThe basic software pack can be up-graded with three options— these are for distribution and construction, long-haul and enhanced economy, and heavy haulage.

Serious off-road applications are still catered for with an improved Powertronic torque converter'box, although its cost over 1Shift will discourage all but those who really need its continuous drive. Geartronic has been virtually discontinued, but as no-one at Volvo can remember the last time one was sold, that's not a major issue.

Cab improvements

The big change inside is the use of four revised trim schemes.The first two are in blue, with vinyl or cloth material, while the others are in a new sand colour, trimmed with plush cloth or leatherAll seats have a nevv, more supportive design and have the usual range of comfort add-ons. Bunks feature pocket springs to match current domestic bedding standards.

The dash panel has a higher resolution display and park brake warning, while there are more storage areas with illuminated lockers on the Globe trotter. Red night lights are now available. Mirrors are improved, with a front view mirror as standard.

Our first opportunity to drive new FH and FM will come in a couple of months, but a brief sampling around Volvo's demo centre supported most of the company's claims about improved engine performance. 1-Shift capability and refinement. a

Tags


comments powered by Disqus