VOLVO

New Volvo VMX MAX line exclusive for the agricultural sector in Brazil

Rural producers use the flexibility of the Volvo vocational truck to apply inputs such as fertilizers and limestone. Introduced to the market in the 2023 line, the VMX MAX has already had more than 30 units sold for this type of operation.

Designed for off-road operation, Volvo VMX MAX trucks have been ordered for implementation with the Hercules 24000 C input distributor from Stara, a company specializing in machinery, agricultural implements and software for precision agriculture. The vehicle travels along the plantation lines to distribute correctives such as limestone, agricultural gypsum, fertilizers and seeds. The implement can be equipped with a telemetry system and controller with different types of views on the same screen for a more precise control of the operation.

More efficient...Volvo trucks replace tractors in these operations with huge gains. The Hércules 24000 C applies at speeds of 4 to 18 km per hour. This allows work on up to 1,200 hectares per day in 24-hour operations, which is not possible with tractors. “The operation cycle as a whole is much more efficient,” says Jeseniel Valério, truck sales engineering manager at Volvo. The Volvo VMX MAX fulfills a double function: it transports and applies inputs. Therefore, it is much more suitable for serving several rural properties owned by the same owner, company or cooperative. “Our truck is very flexible and adaptable to all applications. It can be more economical and runs the entire cycle at a higher average speed, being much more efficient and productive than tractors. It offers much more availability and, as a result, increases the producer’s profitability”, observes Valério.

Superpower...Brazilian agribusiness is one of the most vibrant in the world. Figures from Embrapa, the Brazilian Agricultural Research Company, place Brazil as the 4th largest grain producer, with around 8% of global production, behind only the USA, China and India. The country is the largest producer and exporter of soybeans and accounts for half of the world market for sugar, coffee and corn. Brazilian participation in the world grain market increased fivefold in a decade.

Several reasons explain Brazil's position as a global player in agribusiness. And science and technology are two of the most relevant factors. Research by McKinsey & Company reveals that at least 47% of Brazilian producers use high-precision technologies on their farms, with resources such as software, Internet of Things, GPS and data management to improve productivity in the field. “We are attentive to this movement. We participate in this evolution of national agriculture with high-tech trucks, which support activities from farming to delivery of the final product”, says Clovis Lopes, commercial truck manager at Volvo.

VMX MAX...Throughout its two-decade history, the Volvo VM truck has been recognized for its broad flexibility. The 2023 line highlights the new D8K engines, manufactured in-house by Volvo. With powers of 290 and 360 hp, they are up to 10% more economical than those of the previous generation. The vehicles also received the 7th generation I-Shift transmission option, the same one that equips the Volvo FH, FM and FMX trucks.

Another highlight of the new line is the Volvo VMX model, specifically for off-road applications. The VMX MAX 6x4 version has a GVW of 34 tons, two more than its predecessor. It comes with a 360 hp engine and a 300 hp VEB engine brake. With a reinforced double chassis, it has an eight-ton parabolic front suspension, a 26-ton semi-elliptical rear suspension and the same axle with hub reduction as the Volvo FMX.

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