Trucks
Trucks
In an industry as tough and demanding as construction, there are no one-size-fits-all tools. Trucks are no exception. Whether it’s more horsepower, better maneuverability or lower CO2 emissions, ultimately it comes down to finding the right tool for the job.
In some instances, the biggest challenge for a construction truck is having to haul heavy loads over rough terrain and muddy, unpaved roads. Certain industries must operate around the clock without respite, or require maneuvering in tight spaces together with construction workers and other machinery. In every instance, trucks in construction are performing a vital role within a project and their reliability is therefore essential.
Within the construction industry, operating conditions and demands can vary greatly, even within the same segment or vehicle type. For this reason, Volvo Trucks offers several models suitable for construction, all of which can be tailored to meet specific needs
The extra durable Volvo FMX has been designed specifically for the tough conditions typically found in the construction industry – but Volvo’s other models can also be adapted to meet specific needs and operating conditions.
At the core of its construction range is the Volvo FMX, the truck designed specifically with construction in mind. Its robust exterior features a heavy-duty bumper made from high-grade steel, which protects the truck from dents in any terrain, as well as 300 mm ground clearance. Its front axle can take up to 10 tonnes and the bogie can take up to 38 tonnes. The Volvo FMX is also available with a driven front axle for extra traction.
However, when excellent maneuverability and visibility are the priority, there is the Volvo FE, which offers excellent load-to-size ratio. It is also available with a low-entry cab for excellent direct vision, and a range of cameras and active safety systems to ensure safe operation in small, crowded places. And when sheer power and maximum loading capacity are needed, there are the Volvo FH and Volvo FH16 – the latter available with up to 780 horsepower.
When it comes to trucks in the construction industry, the chassis is just half of the solution. Equally as important is its body – the tool that will perform the truck’s duties. For this reason, body builders often value having a broad and flexible range of chassis to work with, as this makes it easier for them to integrate their products and deliver complete vehicles to the market.
For the end customer, a good collaboration between the body builder and chassis supplier means shorter lead times and makes it easier to optimize vehicles to meet their specific needs. It also enables the whole truck – chassis and body – to be serviced and maintained at the same workshop.
“We have developed our chassis so they can easily be adapted for all types of bodies,” says Muamer Music, Segment Manager, Construction, Volvo Trucks. “We work closely with many body builders, and provide a lot of technical support and documentation, so that together we can deliver a broad range of trucks to the market.”
For dump trucks and tippers, typically the most important qualities are high payload and reliability. Regardless of the material being transported, operators want a truck that can carry as much as possible, as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
Among the special features developed by Volvo Trucks to help achieve this is the Tandem Axle Lift, ideal for vehicles that operate with varying loads. When the loading tray is empty, the second drive axle is automatically disengaged and lifted. This can reduce fuel consumption by up to 4%, while also improving maneuverability by shortening the turning radius. When the truck is loaded again, the drive axle is automatically reengaged.
For high precision maneuvering at low speeds, there is the I-Shift with crawler gears. By adding 1-2 extra-low gears to the transmission, this enables the truck to start from standstill with loads of up to 325 tonnes. When driving on rough terrain, the Automatic Traction Control feature can automatically engage front-wheel drive when the rear wheels lose traction.
Additional features that can improve agility, precision and maneuverability in rough conditions include Terrain Brake, which enables the driver to hold the vehicle’s position just by releasing the accelerator pedal. For trucks that frequently drive on slippery, low friction surfaces, where there is a high risk of wheel spin, Active Grip Control can help maintain stability and control.
Whether it’s a small hook crane for loading or a large-scale crane where the truck is essential as a support mechanism, crane trucks can be complex installations. Again, body builders need to integrate their product into the chassis, and Volvo Trucks’ chassis have been developed to be compatible with a broad range of crane types. Among the unique features it can offer body builders are front frame extensions of up to 400 mm. For large-scale frames, this means extra support legs can be installed at the front of the vehicle to create an even more stable chassis.
To help maneuver and position a crane truck with precision, there is Volvo Dynamic Steering with External Steering. This unique feature enables the driver to hop out and operate the vehicle remotely, so that it can be correctly positioned while also being safer and more efficient for the driver.
Since many cement mixer trucks operate on busy construction sites near construction workers and other machinery, being able to maneuver safely and with precision is hugely beneficial. Like many construction assignments, concrete mixer trucks can benefit from Volvo Dynamic Steering. By significantly improving maneuverability through reducing the need for continuous small adjustments, the system reduces the strain on the driver’s back, neck and shoulders. Another feature for improved low speed maneuvering is Change Direction, which enables drivers to switch between forward and reverse using only the accelerator pedal.
On construction sites where safety and visibility are a challenge, the Volvo FE is available with a low-entry cab. By lowering the driver’s position and bringing it forward, the driver’s direct vision of the vehicle’s surroundings is enhanced. Alternatively, for Volvo Trucks’ larger models, there is the Camera Monitoring System. By replacing the side mirrors with cameras, drivers gain better visibility around the cab’s corners, as well as enhanced visibility around the truck’s sides.
Like its other construction trucks, Volvo’s chassis are available with a wide variety of different configurations so they can be adapted to meet all the key cement mixer manufacturers’ requirements.
“We can offer five axles and air suspension for the really large mixers, and different power take-offs for the mixer,” says Muamer Music, Segment Manager, Construction, Volvo Trucks. “Our ambition is to offer a chassis where the mixer can basically be plugged in and delivered to the customer. We don’t work with a preferred manufacturer – we want our chassis to be as flexible as possible to accommodate the customer’s needs.”
On larger projects, Volvo Trucks often collaborates with Volvo Construction Equipment to package services and solutions together into one total offer.
One of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry is the need to reduce carbon emissions and transition away from diesel, as well as the need to reduce noise on city construction sites. The most viable alternative fuel will differ across markets and segments, but fortunately all of Volvo Trucks’ models are available with either full-electric or gas-powered drivelines.
Battery-electric trucks have the benefit of delivering both minimal noise and zero tailpipe emissions. This makes them highly suitable for operation in low- and zero-emission zones, or sites near residential areas. Their low noise also enables them to operate at night. Read more about Volvo Trucks’ electric range for construction.
If electric is not a viable option, there are also gas-powered trucks. Compared to diesel, LNG emits up to 20% less CO2 as a heavy-duty truck fuel. If powered by bio-LNG then tailpipe CO2 emissions can be reduced to virtually zero. Volvo Trucks’ combustion engines are also fully compatible with HVO, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% depending on how it is produced.1 Several engines in Volvo Trucks’ range can also handle biodiesel, which can lower CO2 by up to 70%.
“Sustainability and carbon reduction targets are really driving demand for alternative fuels in the construction industry,” says Muamer Music. “It is increasingly a factor in tender processes and a demand from end customers. Cleaner, quieter transport is also much better for anyone working or living around the truck.”
1Källmén, A., et. al., “Well-to-wheel LCI data for HVO fuels on the Swedish market”. Report No 2019:04, f3 The Swedish Knowledge Centre for Renewable Transportation Fuels, Sweden.
If you would like to learn more about Volvo Trucks’ construction range, as well as the full breadth of specifications and features that are available, just contact your nearest Volvo Trucks’ dealership.
