VOLVO

THE FAMOUS LINE FMX COMPLETES 10 YEARS

In 2010 Volvo launched the FMX, a truck designed especially for severe off-road operations. Its vocation for extreme conditions has evolved over the years, with many innovations. After a decade, the model has a solid reputation in the mining, construction, wood and sugar cane segments.
Before the Volvo FMX, other models of the brand were already considered a reference in some off-road operations. But in 2010, based on the operators' suggestions, the brand decided to launch a truck specially designed for the severe conditions of this segment. “Volvo FMX is a game changer in the truck market. It quickly became a reference for fleet owners and also for drivers. With it, the brand had expressive growth in the off-road segment, worldwide ”, says Alcides Cavalcanti, Volvo truck executive director in Brazil.

Designed for the bad way
The robust design of the first generation of the FMX was inspired by the famous construction equipment of the Volvo brand. From the beginning, the truck already brought items such as a high-strength towing pin, headlight protection, non-slip steps and a ladder behind the cab, very useful for accessing the implement. With sturdy bumpers, reinforced crankcase protector and frontal protection bar, it was an ideal truck to face difficult terrain.
The second generation of the model, which arrived in Brazil in 2014, brought more news.
The cabin gained a new external design, inspired by the update made to the Volvo FH, that same year. In addition, several of its components have been redesigned. A new suspension increased the height of the ground to 300 mm and the towing pin was resized to 32 tons.



I-Shift in extreme conditions
The efficiency of the I-Shift transmission was also important for the success of the Volvo FMX. In this model, the box has more reinforced components. “We can call it‘ I-Shift Off Road ’, specific to the severity of the off-road operation,” says Jeseniel Valério, Volvo truck sales engineering manager.
The FMX I-Shift has specific software, adjusted to the operation, be it mining / construction or sugarcane / forestry. This allows for better driving even in rough terrain and with a marked topography, with a high level of productivity and driver comfort.
Available since the first generation of the truck, Volvo's smart box has evolved with the model over the years. In 2016, it had super reduced gear options, which allow for starts in 250-ton trainsets. They also allow driving at very low speeds, up to 0.5 km / h, which helps in the precision of maneuvering of large trains and in tight places.



Success in Brazil
Available in all Volvo world markets, in Brazil the FMX is found in severe applications, which demand all the performance that the model can deliver. They are widely used in transporting chopped cane, reforestation operations, heavy construction, mining, among others.
The largest composition in the country uses the Volvo model. In circulation since last year, 19 Volvo FMX operate in 52 m long ‘Hexatrem’ trains, pulling six 250-ton semi-trailers, carrying eucalyptus logs inside Suzano Papel e Celulose farms.
“Volvo trucks have always been a reference in severe operations. But with the FMX, the brand reached the highest level in robustness and resistance. We have several reports from customers attesting that no other truck can handle the conditions that the FMX supports ”, says Jeseniel Valério.



Volvo FMX technical attributes
- I-Shift gearbox, with optional super-reduced additional gears.
- Engine options from 380 to 540hp of power.
- Extremely robust chassis, with double stringer from the outside.
- Rear axle with hub reduction, cast housing and super-resistant cardan.
- Options with maximum traction capacity (CMT) up to 250t (on request) .

Source: Volvo Trucks