Performance characteristics of powerful Volvo mining dump trucks

Trucks have a wide range of applications. Through its use, heavy loads, construction materials, and factory products are transported. Such equipment is practically irreplaceable in agriculture. Freight transport intended for work in a quarry deserves special attention. Of all the manufacturers of such equipment presented on the modern market, Volvo mining dump trucks should be highlighted.

Volvo mining dump trucks

Volvo mining dump trucks are produced by the famous Swedish concern Volvo. The auto manufacturing company has been operating since 1927. Today the company is positioned as a manufacturer of trucks, buses, engines and components.

Until 1999, a public limited company from Sweden also specialized in the production of passenger vehicles. However, after this period, the company's management decided to sell the passenger car division to the Ford concern. Subsequently, another resale took place. This time, the owner of the production was the Geely company, which today produces high-quality cars based on the Swedish product.

In addition to mining dump trucks (FMX), the Swedish company also produces other variations of this type of truck. The model range includes dump trucks used for various tasks - FE, FL, FH, FM.

FH cargo transport is characterized by increased comfort. It is well suited for transporting goods over long distances. FL dump trucks are designed to work in confined spaces. This is due to the good maneuverability of the machine. FE dump trucks include light-duty trucks that are designed for use during construction work on site. Volvo FM models can be used to transport goods on difficult sections of the road.

Photo of Volvo FM series dump truck

Volvo has been producing mining dump trucks for a long period of time. For this type of equipment, a large capacity potential and a high level of cross-country ability are relevant. Mining dump trucks are equipped with an all-wheel drive system and a powerful power plant, thanks to which they can easily overcome any off-road conditions. All-terrain cargo transport can be operated in swampy, rocky or sandy areas. One of the main features of mining dump trucks is the presence of an articulated joint.

Purpose

By using Volvo mining dump trucks, you can solve problems of various types. This special type of truck is an indispensable assistant in the development of mineral resources, as well as when it is necessary to transport bulk and bulk cargo. Volvo mining dump trucks can also be used to deliver rock mass to its final destination. The high level of carrying capacity allows you to transport large volumes of cargo, thereby increasing the level of productivity and speed of work.

In addition, Volvo mining dump trucks are used on construction sites and during logging. The machines can also be used at oil industry enterprises. Trucks are able to do their job regardless of weather and road conditions.

Due to the significant dimensions and large weight of such models, their operation on public roads becomes impossible. In other situations, this can lead to the destruction of the road surface, since maximum pressure is exerted on the surface. In order to prevent such destruction, dump trucks are delivered to the work site in disassembled form. Subsequently, the components are assembled on site.

Advantages and disadvantages

Unlike dump trucks with a traditional rigid frame, variations of machines designed to work in quarries or other complex sites have an independent cab and body. These elements are autonomous in relation to each other. This design feature allows Volvo dump trucks to easily move along sections of the road with poor quality surfaces.

A high-quality hydraulic system facilitates their operation on marshy and rocky soil. Thanks to the articulation, we can also talk about the high maneuverability of the vehicle. Taking into account the existing dimensions, this point is a vital necessity.

Volvo mining dump trucks can be easily operated in any weather conditions, as a result of which the deadlines for completing work will be as short as possible. The differential locking option helps to increase the vehicle's cross-country potential.

The Volvo model range includes mining dump trucks equipped with a hybrid variation of the power plant. Thanks to this, we can talk about maximum fuel efficiency. The diesel-type component drives an alternating current generator.

Photo of Volvo FMX series mining dump truck

You should also pay attention to the complex design of the brake system, which consists of hydraulic and electrical elements. When taking into account large weight indicators, such a design of the brake system is a very appropriate solution.

The advantages of Volvo dump trucks also include the maximum reliability of such equipment, thanks to which the vehicles are popular all over the world. Even if individual elements fail, troubleshooting will not be difficult. This is due to the high maintainability of dump trucks.

For all their advantages, Volvo dump trucks are very voracious in terms of fuel consumption. However, taking into account the available volumes, we can say that this problem is systemic in nature for all machines of this class. The same can be said about the impossibility of operating a dump truck on public roads. In this context, there is a need for additional costs when delivering trucks to their final destination.

The Volvo FM dump truck has found a compromise.

Now, in order to increase the profitability of cargo transportation, it is necessary to either reduce the total weight of the truck, otherwise adapt the structural part to apply the permitted loads on all axles. The best option is a combination of two options. This direction is followed. An example is the Volvo FM dump truck, the permissible weight of which is 500 kg. lowered on each axle, unlike the Volvo FMX. The Volvo FM frame is smaller in size and therefore has less force. In this regard, the suspension of the Volvo FM 6×4 dump truck uses parabolic, small leaf springs T-Ride 2, made of metal strips, the width of which is 90 mm. To ensure a greater number of operating cycles, the KH-KIPPER body is used, which uses an anti-roll bar. The l-Shift robotic manual transmission allows you to change gears electronically and switch to manual control at the driver's request, which is important for fuel economy. The l-Shift gearbox has 12 gears. This box is included in the standard version of trucks on the European market. Most Volvo dump trucks imported from European countries in recent years were equipped directly with this gearbox, less often with a manual gearbox with 14 speeds. It is worth noting that the l-Shift robotic manual transmission is 70 kg lighter than conventional mechanics. These trucks are equipped with three types of modern diesel engines: D11C, D13B and D13C. The optimal one is D11 with sufficient power and reduced exhaust gas levels. The D11 diesel power unit is 140 kg lighter than the 13-liter D13, but the power of the D11 diesel is quite comparable: 400 hp versus 440 hp of the D13. If desired, it is possible to purchase a smaller fuel tank designed for a work shift. To increase the useful mass reserve, they independently install a body of reduced volume. So, when compared with a Volvo FMX 6×4 truck whose body volume is 16 m3, the three-axle Volvo FM has only 10 m3. In this regard, the Volvo FM dump truck has a legal capacity of up to 12 tons, when the technical one allows 17 tons. What cannot be said about the Volvo FM 8×4 dump truck, which has a 15-cc body, has a permissible load capacity of 14.5 tons. It is worth noting that technical corresponds to 28 tons. The advantage in carrying capacity is obvious; in addition, when manufacturing a body of a smaller volume, less metal is required, and with a smaller mass of cargo in the body, the load on the walls of the body is reduced, which allows saving on the thickness of the walls and bottom of the body. The gain in carrying capacity, taking into account all the tricks, is 3,400 kg. Swedish designers recommend taking into account the gap between the cabin and the body to distribute axial loads. To fully load the front axle, it is recommended to reduce the size of the cabin as much as possible. It is recommended to install the lifting mechanism under the platform, instead of installing it under the body canopy. As a result of these innovations, the permissible load capacity of the Volvo FM 6×4 dump truck was increased by 3,600 kg. unlike the 16 cc Volvo FMX. The scheme is quite simple: a dump truck that is as lightweight as possible is capable of accepting more cargo without violating established standards, which means it will not be subject to penalties. For complete confidence, it is possible to install a load monitoring system on each axle. The four-axle Volvo FM 8x4 dump truck is also worthy of attention; by and large, it is the same dump truck with a 6x4 formula, but has a smaller wheelbase and is equipped with an additional “lazy axle” located in the extended part of the rear overhang. Swedish engineers called this type Tridem, when each rear axle is equipped with air suspension, and is designed for a load of 36 tons (13 tons, on the drive ones and the remaining 10 tons are on the “lazy axle” with a single-pitch tire. The Tridem suspension is equipped with another air spring , with the help of which, if there is no need, you can raise the “lazy bridge". This may be required to fully load the drive axles when driving on slippery road surfaces and off-road. It is possible to overcome a difficult section of the road on the main, driving three bridges, and at the post weight control, of course, use all four. It is worth noting that at low speeds, the wheels of the “lazy” axle move in antiphase to the front steered axle - which helps reduce the turning radius, and at a speed of 36 km/h. The steering system is automatically turned off, which reduces unnecessary tire wear. All-wheel drive on Volvo FM and FMX dump trucks. Of all cargo dump trucks, in the worst situation, the permissible load capacity of the three-axle, albeit all-wheel drive Volvo FMX bx6. A dump truck is usually loaded with 19-25 tons of cargo, while the technical one is designed for 41 tons. According to the new standards, today only 9 tons are allowed to be loaded - while the total weight will be only 15.6 tons. It is worth emphasizing that the chassis is designed for heavier work. The dump truck has large 24-inch wheels, a powerful 13 cc engine, equipped with an automatic transmission and a classic Volvo Powertronic gearbox, a transfer case and “extra” two cardans. In general, the truck is very reliable, if not for the new weight limit. The question arises: where is it legal to use a dump truck at full load? The answer is simple, exclusively in quarries. In the northern regions for backfilling. In oil and gas fields, where the route of the dump truck does not cross concrete and does not meet a weight control point along its route. This is great for the Russian Federation. And according to the owners, the Volvo FM and FMX dump trucks are fully suitable for operation in Russian conditions.

The lineup

The model line contains versions of dump trucks with different wheel configurations. Depending on this design feature, the operational potential of the machine is determined.

FMX 6x6

The need to transport large loads required manufacturers to devote a lot of time to creating a reliable product. Individual parts of dump trucks with such a wheel arrangement are made in such a way that modular repairs in the field do not involve great difficulties. The front part of the frame is made using cast iron.

The design features of external fasteners deserve special attention. They are implemented so that, if necessary, it is possible to replace chassis elements and body parts in the shortest possible time.

The rear axle of the dump truck has two different rear axle designs. In the first case, we can talk about using a single-stage gearbox. In addition, a rear axle with a versatile final drive and wheel reduction gears can be used. At the same time, the total weight of the truck will tend to increase.

Technical characteristics of Volvo 6x6 dump trucks

The video shows a Volvo 6x6 mining dump truck in action:

FMX 8x4

Such cars are equipped with a 13-liter engine, the rated power of which remains at 440 hp. With a total length of 6200 mm, the width of the dump truck is 2500 mm. The useful volume of the body part remains at 23.4 m3. In this case, the height of the sides is equivalent to 1750 mm.

The FMX model with an 8x4 wheel arrangement is presented in the KH Kipper body version.
Such dump trucks are used for transporting rocks and bulk materials. Specifications:

The video shows a Volvo 8x4 mining dump truck in action:

FMX 10x4

A five-axle dump truck driven by rear bogie wheels is used to transport bulk and bulk materials. It is used exclusively on roads of technological significance. The design of the machine has a classic layout. The cabin is located above the engine, and the frame base is implemented using a spar frame.

The presence of five wheel axles allows you to withstand maximum loads. The dump truck is equipped with a 480-horsepower engine paired with a multi-speed manual transmission.

Technical characteristics of Volvo 10x4 dump trucks:

Video review of the Volvo 10x4 mining dump truck:

Exterior and interior of a Volvo FM dump truck.

For convenient access to the cabin, convenient steps are provided and handrails are installed. There are two steps under the door itself, in some cases it is necessary to use a third one, on a flexible suspension, located below the cabin. And convenient handrails help you reach the windshield to remove dust and dirt. The radiator grille is equipped with a mosquito net - which provides protection from small insects clogging the radiator cells, which can cause a lot of trouble. Next to the doors there are containers for storing the jack and various small items. Protective grilles are also provided for the head optics, which are necessary for use on construction sites and in quarries. The driver's seat has well-thought-out ergonomics. Much attention is paid to the comfort and ease of adjusting the steering column. The small pedal on the left, when pressed, easily activates rake and reach adjustments. The seats in the cabin can also be easily adjusted to suit any driver. For this purpose, electrical adjustments are provided for the main parameters. The main instrument panel does not stand out in any way, ordinary dial indicators, the most necessary parameters. In addition, auxiliary information is displayed using signal lights and is also duplicated on the central computer monitor. The instrument panel is an essential part that cannot be dispensed with, in this regard, the entire information part on the devices has been completely Russified, and displays all the data on the route traveled, distance traveled, battery charge level, information about the amount of fuel in the tanks and other important indicators. When starting a cold power unit, information about the presence and level of oil is displayed on the display screen - an alternative to the oil dipstick located under the hood. For comfort in hot and cold seasons, the cabin is equipped with a powerful air conditioning system that easily and quickly copes with both summer heat and winter cold. Well, in the off-season, a hatch installed in the roof of the cabin is quite enough. For complete comfort, the cabin also has a radio with four speakers. The tachograph information is located right in front of your eyes on the glass. To the right of the driver, at arm's length, is the trunk. Traditionally, the security system on Volvo cars is performed at the highest level. High structural safety during frontal impacts. A well-thought-out energy absorption system with a protective frame and an existing anti-roll bar.

Technical characteristics of the Volvo FM dump truck

The cost of a Volvo FM dump truck with mileage starts from 1.9 million rubles. Buying a new model will cost from 3.5 to 5 million rubles.