The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX trucks have now been designed as fire service vehicles with a crew cab for up to nine people.
The new variants of the two models, developed in close cooperation with bodybuilders and the emergency services, have many improvements designed explicitly for fire service vehicles.
‘We can now offer a very modern and comprehensive range of heavy-duty trucks on the market for fire services. The new variants of the Volvo FM and Volvo FMX are designed to provide members of the emergency services with a crew cab environment of world-class standard,’ says Lars Franck, Product Manager Special Vehicle Offering, Volvo Trucks.
The European market is more than 3,000 fire and support vehicles per year. In addition to complying with national and international regulations, the vehicles have been adapted to meet each fire authority’s specific requirements. These include high standards of safety, reliability and flexibility.
The cab has been designed to be safe, ergonomic and practical, with plenty of space. The new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX with crew cab are suited for operation in challenging environments.
The trucks offer the same high safety standards, ergonomics and comfort as other variants within the two ranges, which launched in 2020.
The cab has been thoroughly safety tested and comes with large windows, a low door line, large rear-view mirrors and the option of up to eight cameras, providing good all-round visibility. In addition, the Volvo Dynamic Steering system, available as an option, makes manoeuvring easier and improves both ergonomics and driving safety. The driver’s workplace is equipped with Volvo Trucks’ new driver interface, which includes digital instruments and a steering wheel with control buttons that is also adjustable with a neck-tilt function. The high internal roof creates an airy, spacious interior with plenty of room to move around. The doors have a large opening angle that makes it easier to get in and out of the cab. The newly developed anti-slip illuminated step supports this and the marked orange grab handle, ergonomically designed and easy to spot in various conditions. The cab interior offers plenty of storage compartments for helmets, gloves and other necessary equipment. Simplicity for bodybuilders results in faster deliveries. An essential objective was to achieve short lead times for bodybuilders.
Improvements
In consultation with leading experts from companies specialising in building fire trucks, Volvo’s special vehicles team introduced improvements to cab and chassis. Components are placed in locations to facilitate the bodybuilding process, and everything has been prepared for connecting the electrical and pneumatic systems. “We see ourselves as the bodybuilders’ best friend. Our new crew cabs allow them a faster delivery of vehicles to their customers,’ says Franck. Behind the cab, the chassis is straightforward. There is nothing to be disassembled or moved. The fuel tanks, the silencer and other large components are located under the cab. Inside, the electrical cables and pneumatic hoses have been fitted with easily accessible connection points. The installation of the seats, benches and seat belts is certified from the factory.
Facts about the new Volvo FM and Volvo FMX with crew cab: • Development based on the EN 1846 standard for firefighting and rescue service vehicles.
• Cab Impact Tested according to ECE R29-03.
• Internal roof height of 160 cm (front) and 161 cm (back).
• The operator can open the doors to an angle of 79 degrees (front) and 75 degrees (back).
• Axle configurations: 4×2, 4×4.
• Engine options Volvo D11 or D13 (Euro 3, 5 and 6).
• Power take-off for up to 2000 Nm.
• In addition to complying with National & International regulations, the vehicles are built to be easily adapted to meet specific requirements of each fire authority.
