The smaller sibling of the Volvo FH, the FM shares much of the underpinnings of the larger brother, but fitted with a smaller cab for lightness and accessibility for shorter distances and multi drop work.
The Volvo FM is a popular truck in the UK for tipping work, configured as a day cab 8×4 eight wheeler, although since the introduction of the construction specialist FMX model, the FM tipper has tended towards the lighter end of the tipping spectrum.
No stranger to distribution work, many FM rigids are seen in urban environments – usually in supermarket livery.
For Auction at the Euro Auctions sale Leeds - 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th January 2021. This item will go under the hammer on 2021-01-27. 2008 Volvo FM440 6x2 Midlift, A/C - 08 MN 6666 - YV2SJS02C58A670760
For Auction at the Euro Auctions sale Leeds - 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th January 2021. This item will go under the hammer on 2021-01-27. 2004 Volvo FM12-330 8x4 Hook Loader Lorry - NK04 ERJ - YV2J4CLG34A581423
Alexander Park, Crosland Road, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, HD3 3ZA
Volvo (2021) FM460 8 x 2, Chassis Cab x Crane & Body of Your Choice
Comes with Euro 6 Engine, Globetrotter Sleeper Cab, 9 Tonnes Front Axles, Rear Lift & Steer Back Axle, I-Shift Gearbox, Air Conditioning & Electric Windows.
Choice...
2002 Volvo FM9 300 6x4 Day Cab 20000 Litre 5 Compartment Fuel Tanker on Springs Suspension
Hose Reel
8 Speed Manual Gearbox
Excellent Condition
We can organise shipping to any Worldwide destination - Contact for a quote
For Auction at the Euro Auctions sale Leeds - 27th, 28th, 29th & 30th January 2021. This item will go under the hammer on 2021-01-27. 2005 Volvo FM12-380 4x2, Manual Gearbox - 05 C 27888 - YV2J4CMA45B395475
Introduced as recently as 1998, the FM was launched by Volvo to appeal to operators where the FH cab is too high and heavy for their operation. Typically high payload, local distribution, such as fuel tanker and tipper work fall squarely into these categories.
The model stands for Forward control Medium height cab, (compared to the Forward control High cab of the FH.
Volvo FM at 2013 Euro 6 Launch
Volvo FM Timeline
1998 – A completely new truck range launched
A totally new model series is big news for a truck operator, even if the underpinnings are largely the same as the FH model.
From launch the FM was available with three different sizes of engines – the ageing 7-litre D7 from 250 to 290HP, the D10B with power outputs from 320 to 360HP and the more modern D12C with horsepower ranges from 380 to 420HP.
As there was such a choice of engines, Volvo used the swept volume of the engine as part of the model – so the 7-litre rated at 250HP was the FM7.250, for example. There was also the FM10 and the FM12.
2001 – Facelift for the FM Series
Only three years after launch, the FM was given an overhaul in the engine department. The range went from a choice of three engines to a choice of two. This was a positive step, as the ageing 7 and 10 litre engines were replaced by the ultra-modern 9-litre D9A. In addition, Volvo introduced the I-Shift automated gearbox which appeared in the FM at the same time as the FH.
The new 9-litre used the same design principles as the already successful 12-litre. The old pushrods were replaced by overhead camshaft and four valve heads. These new 9-litre FMs were available in power outputs from 300 to 380HP
2003 – FM12 gets more power
The D12D in the FM12 was given more power – now with 460HP (Compared to the 500HP launched at the same time for the FH using the same engine).
2005 – FM Range Changes Name
Alongside a revamp and the replacement of the D12 with a new 13-litre D13A engine, Volvo decided to change the naming protocol for all their trucks. The FM was no exception with the company dropping the swept volume from the model. So the FM9 and FM12 changed to simply FM, (not FM13 which many operators and dealers insist on calling them).
As far as the emission standards went, both the 9-litre and the 13-litre were available at Euro 4 (Euro IV) using SCR to clean up the emissions.
The I-Shift automated transmission also got an overhaul as the second generation was launched.
Available models were the FM360, FM400, FM440 and the FM480.
2007 – EGR Version of the 13-litre FM launched
To compete with MAN and their ‘Add Nothing’ campaign at Euro 4, Volvo launched an EGR version of the FM that required no Adblue to meet the Euro 4 legislation. This D13B engine was available alongside the existing SCR models, albeit at lower rated horsepower from 360to 440HP.
2010 – Facelift Time for the FM
With revised styling and changes to the engine lineup, the 2010 changes took place alongside the launch of the FMX – the heavy duty construction version of the FM cab.
2013 – Euro 6 launch for FM
The second facelift for the FM in three years was more major, as it formed part of the range renewal prompted by the introduction of Euro 6. The FH was the first to receive the treatment with the FM coming along a year later.
The Volvo FM Launch Video 2013
The FM received some new electronic gadgets, such as the Volvo Dynamic Steering (optional) plus some changes to the chassis including new engine mountings and improved suspension. The FM also went on a diet as Volvo managed to strip some weight across all models in the range. The FM’s full range of 11- and 13-litre engines were available from the Euro 6 launch. The D13 was available from 420hp to 500hp, while the D11 engine spanned the power range from 330hp to 450hp.
2020 A Brand New Cab and Many Upgrades
Not on the roads until the end of 2020, February 2020 saw the reveal of the long-awaited new cab for the FM. Only slightly larger than the outgoing FM cab, the new version gives the driver much more room in the cab – both in day and sleeper forms.
New technology was the other major focus of the upgrade in 2020 – which formed part of a range review including the FMX, FH and FH16. The technology was less about the driveline – although savings of up to 6% were quoted when using the I-Save functions and more about the driver technology.
There were technological improvements in the displays – gone are the old-fashioned dials which were replaced by flat screens (a 12inch to replace driving dials and a 9 inch to control cameras, music and sat nav). Plenty of safety tech for the new FM including a smarter version of the adaptive cruise control that can not stop the truck totally when following traffic that stops.
The Volvo FM Image Gallery
New Cab for the Volvo FM in 2020
New Interior for the FM Cab in 2020 – note the two flat screens
Volvo FM – Easy Entry and smart side lines
Clean lines on the move for the Volvo FM 2020 Cab
Volvo FM 2020 Model Year Launch Image
Volvo FM – 2001-2005 Model FM12
Volvo FM12 back in 1998
Volvo FM Heavy Duty Truck with a lower cab than the FH Range
Newest Member of the FMX Family – The first for a construction specialist range
Volvo FM Crane Trucks an 8×2 and a 8×4 Tridem
Check out the FMX Crew Cab looks like a great tool – just not sure for which job…?
The 2020 Model Volvo FM Launch Video
Latest Volvo FM News
Volvo Trucks first to deliver Amazon Alexa in new heavy-duty trucks
If you would have asked me even just ten years ago what the chances would be of an online book retailer supplying devices that help the driver to control heavy duty trucks, I would say zero. How wrong I would be. It seems that Amazon are taking over every aspect of the world. From your shopping delivery to computer storage, data, e-readers, TV to name just a few areas. So, close on the heels of Iveco’s announcement that they are to be fitting Alexa in the cabs, Volvo Trucks tell us that they have already gone an done it. The…>
Every company has different reasons for buying a particular truck. Sometimes it is based on the relationship with the local dealer, other times on fuel economy, and often purely on price. Nuneaton-based ASB Transport is no different, but a key motivation for buying Volvo (again) is the higher residual value compared to the competition. The company has taken delivery of two new Volvo FM460 8x4 tippers, citing the fantastic support from the manufacturer’s dealer network as an additional reason for this latest order. Volvo FM460 Tipper - on Breedon Aggregates Contract The Volvo FM460 Spec Supplied by Richard Moorse, Regional…>
Volvo Trucks dealers across the UK have begun taking orders for the company’s new generation of heavy commercial vehicles. The Volvo FH16, Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX benefit from a new, flexible user interface with a digital instrument panel, whilst the FM and FMX models have new cabs that give the driver more space and improved direct vision. New 2020 Volvo Heavy Truck Range Skilled drivers are an invaluable asset to any transport company; but there is tough competition to attract the best talent. Acknowledging the importance of the driver, Volvo Trucks has invested heavily in developing the…>
There’s plenty of talk of battery electric trucks, hybrid trucks and fuel cell trucks of the future. However, these still aren’t realistic for 44 tonne trunking operations. A UK-based operator has found a way to cut CO2 by as much as 80% using technology that is already available AND can be used on trunking operations with no range and little payload penalties. No stranger to using alternative fuels, Kuehne+Nagel has already run some dual fuel trucks, and for this reason the company participated in the Innovate UK-funded ‘Dedicated to Gas’ project. This evaluated the viability of Euro 6 gas heavy…>
Always good to get a big name on board, and none are larger in the world of logistics than Wincanton. Volvo has managed to get a competing manufacturer’s vehicles replaces on the Wincanton fleet with two new Volvo FM 8x2 tankers to work within its milk delivery division. The trucks were supplied on a five-year operating lease through Volvo Financial Services. Wincanton has taken delivery of two new Volvo FM 8x2 tankers to work within its milk delivery division. The Volvo FM Trucks Both new trucks have been built on a 5,100 mm wheelbase, with a rear-steering tag axle for…>