Volvo FMX offroading truck a dirt lover

Volvo is about to get extremely dirty with the offroad FMX truck.

The tough truck has been developed by Volvo globally for work in the booming resources industry as well as construction, but most variants are built in Australia at Volvo's Brisbane plant with many local revisions.
Volvo already sells an FM model, which is built for distribution.

The FMX is based on the FM, as the name suggests, but has been optimized for off-road duty.

Volvo Australia already has experience in this regard, having developed its own off-road conversions for some of its customers who were happy with an FM but wanted to take them off-road.

Previously, a palm-oil operation in Papua New Guinea worked extensively with Volvo Truck Australia to modify the FM so it could perform better in the rigors of the rainforests. Several mining companies also ran the FM on dirt at its sites.

Volvo in Sweden took on some of the lessons learned by Volvo Australia and its off-road FM modifications when it came to developing the FMX, including approach and departure angles.

The FMX will be available in 6x4 and 8x4 configurations, both of which are made at Volvo Australia's plant in Queensland. A 6x6 version, which is shipped straight from Sweden, is also part of the line-up.

A differential lock for optimum traction is fitted as standard to all FMX models, while tandem axles also feature differential locking between the axles. Depending on the specification, the FMX is capable of handling gross vehicle weights of up to 48 tonnes.

There are two different engine options, the 10.8-litre D11 and the 12.8-litre D13. Both are in-line six-cylinders. The D11 is available with 306kW (410hp) and 1950Nm or 336kW (450hp) and 2150Nm.

The D13 is available with 343kW (460hp) and 2300Nm, while a 373kW (500hp) and 2500Nm variant tops the engine line-up. Transmissions include a 14-speed manual and a Powertronic six-speed full automatic, but the most popular gearbox option is the i-Shift automated manual.

This 12-speed unit has been tuned specially for off-road work in the FMX and is now able to detect the truck's load and then select the right gear for take off. The FMX has a range of upgrades over the standard FM to toughen it up and make it a more focused off-road worker.

It is impossible to miss the FMX given its strikingly aggressive design. Volvo designers realized it wasn't enough for the FMX to be tough, it had to look tough too. The FMX front end is dominated by the unique rugged bumper that wraps around a steel bash plate. It's not all just about looks though as this three-part bumper has 3mm steel outer corners and a tough central tow hook rated to 25,000kg.

There are also separate lenses for the high beam, low beam, parking lights and turn indicators, which can all be replaced individually in the field which also add to the rugged look. The FMX's air intake is mounted high above the side windows to keep out as must dust as possible while maintaining good rearward visibility.

There is also an optional ladder that sits behind the cab, which allows the driver to check the load. It has been designed so the driver can step onto it from the cab, which means they don't have to step onto the ground, which is handy if it is muddy. A new ladder and grab handle has been designed for easier access and a new swing-step folds out at the bottom for safety.

The 6x6 model also comes standard with heavy-duty engine protection and its special steel fuel tanks have been raised for better protection. Volvo Trucks Australia general manager, Gary Bone, explains it made sense for the company to build the FMX.

"In a lot of markets around the world we were modifying the FM product to move into extreme applications," he says. "The decision was then taken by the senior truck management to build a dedicated Volvo truck for the extreme applications our world can throw at us."