Volvo Trucks launches 5 innovations for their construction site trucks

After commercialising their first Volvo FMX in 2010, followed in 2013 by a new version with new innovations such as the Volvo Dynamic Steering, Volvo Trucks now launches 5 innovations on their construction site trucks Volvo FMX, Volvo FH, Volvo FH 16, 4-steering wheel Volvo FL  and Volvo FE. These innovations are :

• the Volvo Dynamic Steering for trucks with dual front axles
• increased loads by front axles for dual front axle trucks
• new 5-axle vehicles
• a rear pneumatic suspension combined with a front drive axle for the Volvo FMX
• an electronic braking system for drum brake.

« We want to be the leader in construction just as we are in the long-distance haulage », says Richard Fritz, vice-president of Volvo Trucks. « With new innovative characteristics, we offer our clients a larger range of  options and unique possibilities to increase their productivity». Apart from the recent addition of ultra resistant bumpers on the Volvo FH as well as the Automatic Traction Control feature on the Volvo FMX, 5 new characteristics are now available :

1) Volvo Dynamic Steering for dual front axles

Launched in 2013 and introduced in the « The Hamster Stunt » video, the Volvo Dynamic Steering is now available on the Volvo trucks with dual front axles, a well-spread configuration on construction sites to transport heavy loads.

This system is made of an electric engine that balances the vibrations and movement of the steering wheel, all reducing the strength needed to drive the truck. Thus, there is a lower turn resistance at low speed, while the steering wheel goes back to linear position after being turned full lock. This system is better for manoeuvre in narrow spaces, saves the driver time and energy, while reducing the risk of neck, shoulder or back injuries.

2) Increased loads by front axles for dual front axles

The innovation for Volvo trucks with dual front axles increases their capacity from 18 to 20 tonnes, offering a higher profitability. These increased load capacities on the front axles are a new source of flexibility for truck transporting heavy materials on construction sites, with a better load distribution, for example for gravel in a tipper truck on 4-axle vehicles. This innovation also offers a larger range of crane configurations and other applications needing a heavy weight on the front axle.

3) 5-axle Volvo trucks : 10x4 and 10x6

Volvo Trucks now offers 5-axle trucks, in 10x4 and 10x6 configuration.The dual front axles can bear a maximum load of 20 tonnes, while the triple rear axles can go up to 36 tonnes. This new characteristic offers a higher useful load and a more important flexibility on construction sites as well as on the road. This solution is ideal for concrete trucks and big crane trucks that need an axle load speard evenly.

4) Rear pneumatic suspension combined with a front drive axle for the Volvo FMX

In order to increase the driver's comfort and reduce the truck's wear as well as the road's, Volvo Trucks offers a rear pneumatic suspension, even on vehicles with front drive axle. This new equipment offers more flexibility to adjust the load weight, compared to the leaf spring often made for the heaviest loads.

By mitigating the vibrations, the pneumatic suspension allows the driver to maintain a higher average speed on damaged construction site roads when the truck is empty, which allows him to make more deliveries. Besides, this suspension offers a ground clearance of at least 30 cm, which better protects the vulnerable components.

5) Electronic braking system (EBS) for drum brakes

Finally, Volvo Trucks now offers the Electronic Braking System for drum brakes, making it easier to work in humid or dusty conditions. This system gives access to a range of features such as uphill starting, brake coupling, more efficient change in gears with the information being sent to the  I-Shift automatic gearbox, or the Volvo Dynamic Steering (not on trucks with front drive axle).

Take a look at the presentation clips of the Volvo Trucks innovations :