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Driving impressions
Page 17
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• Following the official launch of the new models, we were able to try out a selection of FM tippers on an off-road course at the Demo Center at Volvo's Gothenburg headquarters. Although short, at around two kilometres, the course provided enough varied terrain to present a meaningful challenge to power, traction and braking.
The first truck sampled was an FM12 6x4 420 14-speed manual with a 21-tonne 1-ride steel parabolic rear bogie and drum brakes, running at the full 26 tonnes. With that sort of power it wouldn't be expected to struggle, but it was none the less impressive to experience the way it would lug away from as little as 600rpm, giving a very useful speed range to cope with difficult terrain without needing a traction-breaking gear change. When changes are needed, it's hard to believe that your hand movements are being conveyed courtesy of a once-derided cable system apart, that is, from the intended absence of vibration. On the steep downhill section, the Volvo engine brake produced sufficient retardation to descend under full control without touching the service brakes.
The new extended day cab was mechanically suspended and coped well enough at the limited speeds we achieved. The extra space is just enough for all the paraphernalia that seems essential during the day without the waste of a bunk that might never be slept in. All-round visibility is good thanks to the relatively slender 4-pillars and the newly re-designed mirrors.
Our first drive behind the new nine-litre engine was in a 4x2 18-tonner with 340hp on tap, probably a bit much for the average council operation. Not surprisingly it proved rather lively, romping up the eight-speed 'box with ease. It highlighted the most impressive thing about the current crop of modern sub-10-litre engines, and that is the amount of torque that they can produce. The 380 version peaks, or more accurately, levels off, at 1,700Nm, just 150Nm less than the 12-litre and over an only slightly narrower rev band. Volvo's disc brakes, seen for the first time on its rigid models, seemed powerful and progressive in the confines of the Demo Center.
All-in-all, our limited experiences so far have revealed virtually nothing to criticise, but rest assured, we intend to be putting the FH and FM ranges through some more rigorous hoops in the real world just as soon as we can. Watch this space.