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Volvo's new FL6 onslaught
Page 14
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• Volvo Trucks has stepped up its attack on the UK distribution truck market with the launch of four new FL6 lightmiddleweight chassis ranging from 7.5 to 11 tonnes GVW.
The first model to arrive, the 11-tonne FL611, will be available from the beginning of March, powered by Volvo's 113kW (152hp) TD61G engine.
The turbocharged straightsix is a downrated version of the 134kW (180hp) TD61GS which is already fitted in Volvo's UK-spec 12, 13 and 14tonne FL6 rigids_ Peak torque on the TD61G is 430Nm (3171bft) at 1,900rpm.
By the end of May, Volvo will also be selling an 8.6tonner, badged as the FL609, and a 9.8-tonner, the FL610. Both will be fitted with the same cab and basic driveline as the slightly heavier FL611. Barring any delays with the UK Type Approval, Volvo's replacement for the ill-fated FL4 7.5-tomer, the FL608, should also arrive in May. It also fea tures the TD61G engine and FL6-family cab.
Volvo is now fitting Eaton six-speed gearboxes in all FL6 models up to 14 tonnes, replacing the ZF five-speed boxes. FL6 chassis up to and including the FL611 get the 4106B Eaton box which is already used in the 134kW FL611 urban artic developed for brewery operators Bass and Tennants. The 12, 13 and 14-tonne chassis get the 4106A.
The higher torque output produced by the 154kW (207hp) TD61F engine rules out the use of the Eaton box in the 17-tonne FL6, which will retain a ZF six-speed box.
The four new FL6 rigids have parabolic springs all round and Lucas Girling disc brakes.
Operators will have the choice of four wheelbases from 3.4m to 5.2 metres; air suspension will also be offered as an option on the drive axle of the FL611. Volvo quotes a 3,605kg kerbweight for an FL608 with a 3.4m wheelbase chassis and 130 litres, compared with 3,690kg for a similar wheelbase FL611 11-tonner.
The new FL6s, like the current models, are built in Belgium at Volvo's Ghent plant.