Volvo’s FMX is a popular choice for tipper, hookloader and concrete mixer applications in the UK. After Scania, Volvo is the second most popular manufacturer of these types of heavy-duty trucks for on and off road use on construction sites and in quarries. This means that there are usually plenty of used FMX trucks for sale on these pages. Launched in 2010, the FMX is a standard FM truck, beefed up for arduous work on construction sites. The model name stands for FMX meaning “Forward control Medium Xtreme” Volvo know their way around constructions sites as they are one of the world leaders in construction machinery (Volvo CE) – so the engine in the FMX is powering plant equipment digging the holes as the FMX comes to take the contents away. With a range of power outputs, there is no clear favourite in the used truck market. There are usually decent numbers of the top-powered FMX500 available, as well as 400 and 410hp versions, whilst the middle of the road 460hp variants always sell well.
2010 – At launch engine choice was the 11 or 13-litre Euro 5 units with outputs in a huge range of between 330 and 540HP – transmission choice was manual, automated and fully automatic ‘Powertronic’. Nearly all components were the same as for the commonplace FM. The production version went on sale in Europe in autumn 2010 and worldwide in 2011.
2013 – The spec for the FMX was brought up to Euro 6 standard Prior to the 2014 Euro 6 deadline, keeping both the 11 and 13-litre engines.
2015 – The Volvo FMX was the first truck in the world to offer automatic engagement of all-wheel drive on construction trucks. The ATC (Automatic Traction Control) activates the front wheel drive when the rear wheels lose traction on slippery or soft ground and the truck risks getting stuck.
Many drivers connect front-wheel drive or differential lock in good time before a difficult section of terrain, in order to avoid getting stuck. Volvo Automatic Traction Control engages the front wheel drive when in motion, and only for the short time that it is really needed.
Automatic Traction Control became standard on the Volvo FMX in 4×4, 6×6 and 8×6 configurations from September 2015 onwards.
At the same time, Volvo released more features for the FMX, including Dynamic Steering for dual front axles (8×2 and 8×4 models), increased front axle loads, dual front axles (8×2 and 8×4), five-axle trucks (10×4 and 10×6), rear air suspension in combination with Volvo FMX All-Wheel Drive models and Electronic Brake System for drum brakes.
Later in 2015 Volvo developed the FMX further in offering the tandem axle lift which disengages the second drive axle and lifts it from the road surface. Volvo calculated a 4% saving in fuel for this system.
2020 – New FMX launched with a brand-new larger cab. As part of a range review, the FMX was given the new FM cab and improved driver features.
It is easy to tell the difference by looking at the dashboard – if it has a large 12-inch screen then it is the 2020 model year truck. Other differences are in the safety systems, other interior changes and some alterations to the headlights. Engines and gearboxes remain largely the same, but the I-Shift selector is changed and moved to help access across the cab and into the bunk.
Volvo Trucks is introducing a range of new features that improves safety and driveability, supporting precision handling in tight areas and on bumpy or slippery roads – for example on construction sites. “Thanks to several smart updates of the I-Shift gearbox, we have managed to make a range of new functions available that improve driveability, safety and comfort. Each is designed to give the driver greater control and ease of operation when manoeuvring,” says Pär Bergstrand, Heavy Duty Transmission Manager at Volvo Trucks. Terrain Brake is a new, unique solution for driving at low speeds over rough and uneven ground,…>
Volvo Trucks is introducing a new safety system to detect other road users entering the blind spot on both sides of the truck. In busy traffic situations, it is difficult for even the most experienced driver to perceive everything around the vehicle. To increase safety and ease stress on the driver, Volvo Trucks is offering its new system which uses a dual radar on each side of the truck to detect when other road users, such as cyclists, enter the risk area. “An accident can happen in a split second. Our extensive accident research is based on decades of studying…>
South Gloucestershire Council has taken delivery of seven new Volvo FMX 330 6x4 and two FMX 330 4x4 rigids, each mounted with a snow plough and gritting body. Supplied by Stuart Pearce, EV & Fleet Solutions Manager at Truck and Bus Wales and West, the nine new FMXs join a 45-strong HGV fleet, 15 of which are currently supplied by Volvo Trucks. The deal builds on a 10-year relationship the Council has enjoyed with the Swedish manufacturer. Ron Dovey, Fleet Operations Manager at South Gloucestershire Council, says: “Reliability and prompt back-up from the local dealer are essential for us, as…>
To the uninitiated, a suction excavator enables the operator to dig around existing pipes and cables in the road where a traditional ‘digger’ could easily damage them. These impressive truck-mounted machines are not cheap but are becoming increasingly familiar sights on the UK’s roads. Civil engineering contractors W M Donald has added another suction excavator to its fleet – taking delivery of a new Volvo FMX 540 Globetrotter, mounted with a triple fan suction excavator from MTS. The striking 8x4 Tridem rigid, decked out in the firm’s deep blue livery, will be used to help the Aberdeen-based business in its…>
It is clear that Volvo’s recent focus has been on driving up fuel economy on its trucks. I-Save, I-See and I-Torque are all systems that have been designed to reduce fuel consumption in their 11 and 13-litre engines. In what appears to be a good example of continual development process, Volvo have made a whole series of incremental improvements across the engine and its control systems in order to make further fuel savings. Volvo have adapted the injectors, compression and camshaft specifically to the refined and unique new wave-patterned piston Hardware Improvements I-Save covers optimizations of the engine technology, the…>