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Chips with everything
Page 70
Page 71
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Thinking about buying a used truck? Then check out our previous roadtests to get a better picture. This month it's Volvo's fleet
tractor — the FM12 6x2.
UK launch date: Sept 1998 Modifications since launch: Version 2, launched Jan 2002 (interior, exterior front, gearboxes and engines) Engines: First the D12C followed by D12D. Horsepower varies from 340 up to 460. which was introduced in October 2003 Transmission: Nine or 14-speed manual, I-shift. Powertronic Brakes: Z-cam drums on Version 1, discs with EBS on Version 2 GVW: 44 tonnes UK and Ireland registrations to date:19,250 Main market:General haulage and fleet own-account operations
Future developments:None at present Official used dealers:91 (UK and Ireland) Recalls: Date of recall (DOR): 04.04.2000. recall number (RN): R/2000/035.
Concern: diesel fuel may dilute engine oil DOR:08.05.2000 RN: P.12000/058.
Concern: air filter in the air intake may ignite: RN: 059. Concern: front wheel hub may become detached DOR:30.05.2000. RN: R/2000/064. Concern: vehicle may move forward when reverse gear engaged DOR:03.07.2000, RN: P./2000/075. Concern: possible insecurity of upper steering arm DOR: 18.08.2000, RN: FJ2000/077. Concern: vehicle may move forward when reverse gear engaged DOR:10.0 2003.RN: R/2003/044. Concern: possible malfunction of engine management system DOR: 01.07.2003.RN: R/2003/106. Concern: potential loss of power steering DOR: 07.07.2003. RN: R/2003/112 Concern: possible fracture of rear axle U bolts CA. roadtest: 27 September 2001 Model: Volvo FM12 380 6x2 Geartronic Engine: Volvo DC 12C380 Euro-2 charge
cooled turbo-diesel
Capacity: 12.1 litres Maximum power: 374hp Maximum torque: 1,850Nm
Average fuel consumption: 7.61mpg Average speed: 74.3km/h
The lowdown: We've covered the Volvo FM's core virtues often enough not to have to repeat them in full.The all-round combination of driver appeal and productivity makes for a jack of all trades and a master of many. However, this test is all about what, if anything, has been lost along with the clutch pedal.
No-one would dare suggest that Geartronic can do a better job than a very good driver on peak form. But, unlike even the best driver, Geartronic never gets tired or angry, never falls out with the wife and never worries about the result of the 3:15 at Lingfield. Modesty (oh, all right, reality) forces us to admit that we could never hope to improve on Geartronic's performance in the vast majority of circumstanees, and in those few, clearly defined situations where manual control is preferable the chip are happy to relinquish the reins.
It's not getting any easier out there.Anything that frees the driver's mind so it can give more attention to making the truck stop.go. point in the right direction and avoid all the idiots trying to walk,ride or drive under his wheels has to be worthwhile.Why make a human do what a microchip can do better. especially if you can save money at the same time? Give us the choice between Geartronic or 80 extra horsepower, and we'd dump the clutch every time. Enough said?
CM roadtest: 3 May 2001 Model: Volvo FM12 380 6x2 Engine: Volvo DC12C380 Euro-2 charge-cooled turbo-diesel
Capacity: 12.1 litres Maximum power: 374hp Maximum torque: 1,850Nm Average fuel consumption: 7.54mpg Average speed: 50.2km/h
The lowdown:There are few of these trucks on the used truck market at the moment but as shorter contract and leasing deals expire there will be FMs aplenty over the next couple of years. As more come up, the price will inevitably fall so operators might be well advised to wait a while before buying one. Mind you, operators don't seem inclined to wait: FM12s are being snapped up almost as soon as they reach the forecourts.
On the road it's as smooth as anything we' driven, and even though the fuel figures don' set the world alight we feel it's still a good result. Overall we'd recommend this truck to an operator because it has proved itself to be cost-effective, reliable and hard working.Wh more could you want? •