autoevolution
 

First Volvo FMX Tractor Unit Delivered in the UK

Hauling timber out of the woods is known to be notoriously tough on tractor units, so David Wood has gone for a new heavy-duty Volvo FMX to deal with the onerous daily grind and off-road duties that come with this line of work.

The owner of the company admits that he was initially unaware that the FMX (which was supplied by Volvo Dealer Mansel Davies at Llanfyrnach, Pembrokeshire) was available as a tractor unit.  “I had seen the advertisements for six- and eight-wheel tippers, but had no idea they offered a tractor unit too,” Wood said.

Configured as a 6x2 tag-axle in order to keep the tare weight as low as possible, the first FMX tractor unit operating in the UK features a 13-litre 500-hp diesel, I-Shift fully-automated gearbox and Globetrotter cab. In addition, a roof-mounted light bar and spotlights ensure that there is adequate lighting even on the darkest forest tracks.

“All in all, it’s coping very well. There’s plenty of horses, the I-Shift gearbox is excellent and the traction is surprisingly good. I am very impressed so far,” commented David Wood on the off-road capability of the FMX.

Operated in conjunction with a three-axle Dennison skeletal logging semi-trailer, equipped with sliding bolsters and a front-mounted Epsilon log loader, the FMX combination can take a net payload in the region of 25-tonnes.

“I have always had good service from my Volvo dealer - Mansel Davies - both as a driver, when I worked there as an employee, and when I had an FH-460,” reported David. “I also have a great deal of confidence in the reliability of Volvo trucks, which is important in this type of work, and the FMX has certainly boosted that confidence,” he concluded.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories