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.
Although the Fox group has net shared the economics of buying and operating new electric Volvo FMX tippers on their asphalt deliveries, it is impressive that the family-owned company is taking delivery of four new zero tailpipe emission Volvo trucks. The order comprises three Volvo FMX Electric 8x4 Tridem tippers – to be followed shortly by an FH Electric 6x2 tractor unit. Paul Fox, Managing Director of the Blackpool-based business, says: “Electric trucks are no longer on the horizon; they’re here, now, and key to reducing our carbon footprint. At Fox Group we see it as our role and responsibility…
Saturday 20th April sees these Volvo FMX tippers going under the hammer at Malcolm Harrison's regular sale in Prees, Shropshire. These 2018 trucks with their DVS passenger windows look well cared for and are fitted with Easy Sheet systems. If you can't make the sale, then check the phot lineages where Ruttle Plant Hire have a similar truck for sale - a 2017 FMX410 steel bodied tipper priced at £29,850 Click to Read Page Turn Magazine Click Image to Read Use the form at the bottom of the page to add your email address to be advised every time the…
Mining services business Orica UK has continued their long-standing partnership with Volvo Trucks by adding four new Volvo FMX 460 6x4 rigids to its fleet. The new trucks are equipped with MEMU mixing tank bodies that are used to make explosives for the mining and quarry industries. The business has been using the Volvo chassis for its specialist trucks for more than 20 years, largely due to the reliability of the engines, plus the comfort of the cab and the continued support from Volvo Trucks dealer network. Ian Gregory, Specialist-Operations Support at Orica UK, says: “We first switched to Volvo…
Wembley – based Harringtons Builders Plc has added a new Thompsons-bodied tipper to its fleet, resplendent in an attractive all-over sky blue livery. However, it’s the technical specification that makes this truck quite a bit different from the tipper norm. Underneath the latest-spec Thompsons Loadmaster Lite bodywork (which for Harringtons includes a hydraulic AutoLoc tailgate, VWS weighing system, flip-over Shurco sheet, sideguard warning panels, and extra lighting to the side panels and rear posts) there’s a similarly top-flight 460hp Volvo FMX chassis that’s been individually specified for years of hard work. Key here is Harringtons choice of a Volvo heavy…
There's a Euro 6 Volvo FMX tipper on the front cover of this week's Truckpages Magazine that's heading for the Collard Group Fleet Renewal Auction sale organised by Malcolm Harrison on 26th September at Hook in Hampshire. The truck is fitted with Easy Sheet system and camera, whilst the body is fitted with twin underfloor rams. This rugged, automatic FMX410 8x4 tipper looks ready to go to work - avoid the wait for a new one! Click Image to Read Click to Read Page Turn Magazine Click Image to Read Use the form at the bottom of the page to…
