Mark Luck takes first FMX 8x4 rear-steer Tridem with Dynamic steering 11 December 2014

Construction haulage firm Mark Luck is now running the first new-series Volvo FMX 8x4 rear-steer Tridem in the UK to have been fully-approved for N3G category off-road use.

The Swanley, Kent, family-owned operator's day-cabbed truck – which joins a fleet of 40 Volvos – was also specified with Volvo's new Dynamic Steering – the first FMX in the UK to go into service with this option.

"This is the best vehicle I've ever driven," says director Mark Luck, adding that his new FMX 8x4 rear-steer Tridem does about 10% off-road work and has never yet been stuck.

"We've had no problems with the air suspension off road and the truck drives like a car. It follows a line really well. Volvo's Dynamic Steering makes it absolutely effortless to drive." He enthuses.

"You can even drive off-road with just one finger on the steering wheel, if you want to," he continues.

"It's really easy to drive in London traffic, too, and we've had no issues with ground clearance, which is very good from all angles. The rear-steer Tridem compares well with a six-wheel tipper for manoeuvrability."

As the Volvo FMX 8x4 rear-steer Tridem was the first of its type in the UK, Volvo Trucks and dealership MC Truck and Bus arranged for the Thompsons (UK) steel tipper bodied, fully-loaded truck to be tilt-tested on the tilt table at QinetiQ, Chobham.

The truck was successfully tilt tested to 7 degrees, without air in the rear suspension. It also achieved a 7 degree tilt with alternative loading distribution, where the load was repositioned.

The rear axle of the Tridem (which has a 3,700mm wheelbase) is single-wheeled and there is no sub-frame on the chassis to mount the Thompson body. Instead, a top-mounted shear plate has been fitted to provide additional bracing at the rear of the chassis.

As for the powertrain, this FMX 8x4 Tridem has the D13K 540bhp Euro 6 engine mated to Volvo's I-Shift automated gearbox.

"I-Shift is virtually maintenance free," comments Luck, adding: "I wouldn't change from it and now we specify I-Shift on all our Volvos."

And he adds: "Volvos are the best truck on the road for construction. We've had a 100% Volvo policy for 20 years. We're very pleased with the service we receive from MC Truck & Bus. For quality, driveability and durability, there's nothing better."

Author
Brian Tinham

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