Volvo FM 400 HD

Oct 3, 2019: The Volvo FM 400 HD is one of the best heavy-duty trucks in the Indian truck market. It comes with an immense payload capacity of 150,290 Kg, while the GVW of the truck is 160000 KG. It is built on a wheelbase of 3,885 mm.

At the front, there is a Conventional multi-leaf springs suspension, and a Heavy-duty bogie suspension with conventional multi-leaf springs is placed on the back to provide a comfortable ride. The air brakes along with the parking brakes supported by ABS take care of the stopping duties.

The truck is equipped with a 12.8-litre Volvo D13A, DI Turbocharged Intercooled, with Engine Management System (EMS). It is capable of pumping out a maximum power of 400 bhp at 1400-1800 rpm, while the peak torque is 2000 Nm at 1050-1400 rpm. It comes with a manual gearbox.

Volvo FM 400 HD - Expert Review

Overview

Volvo Trucks are famous all around the globe for their performance, design, comfort and durability. Although prices are on the higher side, the company has managed to do well over the years. Being the pioneer of latest technology for better profit margin and best-in-industry pragmatic approach to fulfill the needs of the buyer, Volvo trucks are doing better than ever in the haulage segment with FM 400 HD as their flag bearer among many others.

Known for heavy engines and high load carrying capacities, FM 400 HD is another Volvo truck bearing the same qualities. It is best suited on long routes with applications involving transportation of heavy machinery, two-wheelers, dock containers and others.

Specs:

Engine - 6-Cylinder 12.8 Litre In-Line D13A

Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) - 49,000 kg

Wheelbase and Turning Radius - 3,885 mm and 6,800 mm

Power Steering - Yes

Engine and Performance

The monstrous 6-Cylinder 12.8 Litre 12,800 cc turbocharged intercooled power house is more than enough to haul this truck with whatsoever weight is laden and that too proficiently. Talking specifically, FM 400 HD is good to produce 400 hp power @ 1,400–1,800 rpm and a massive peak torque of 2000 Nm @ 1,050–1,400 rpm. Although the recommended rpm range for optimum performance is 1,050–1,600 rpm.

Digging deeper to the performance quotient, the truck has the ability to move up on steep slopes loaded full to its capacity with 29% gradeability and can hit the highways hard, with a top speed of 79 km/h. These numbers are achieved with truck’s engine working in sync with FM 400 HD’s 6-speed Splitter & Range gearbox and Double Disc Drag type Power Assisted 400 mm diameter clutch.

Vehicle Built and Load Capacity

The wheelbase of 3,885 mm is ideally suited for sharper turns in hilly areas and circular roads on highways, supported by its decent turning radius of 6,800 mm. Talking about the dimensions, FM 400 HD is 6,905 mm long, 2,534 mm wide and 3,070 mm height. Coming to the load capacity, the truck has a massive Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of 49,000 kg. However, the weight can be extended up to 1,00,000 kg (only after government’s approval) with a bed trailer attached to it. The former weight is though, divided as 9,710 kg kerb and 39,290 kg in payload.

Handling and Suspension

Ensuring better maneuverability and for ease of driver, FM 400 HD has been equipped with adjustable power steering of decent 450 mm diameter. There is also a steering lock to protect the truck from theft in case the driver forgets to lock the door or somebody breaks in.

Coming to suspension, Volvo has fitted the vehicle with world-class machinery for a bump free drive. At the front, there are six conventional leaf springs with threaded spring bolt and shackle and at the rear, there are nine such lead springs. Apart from that, there is front stabilizer, V-stay and reaction rod to further enhance the ride quality.

Braking and Safety

While it comes to effective braking and safety measures, Volvo stands class apart from its contemporaries. Spilling the beans over FM 400 HD braking system, it has got Dual line air brake system with automatically adjustable Z-Cam brakes, Antilock Braking System (ABS) and asbestos free brake linings. Strengthening the safety further is the truck’s impact and crash barrier tested safety cab, seat belts, fire extinguisher, high strength steel for whole body and durable chassis.

Design and Comfort

Volvo has always kept its mind open about bringing new changes while designing trucks and FM 400 HD is a fine example of its latest theory and practice. The truck has perfect aerodynamic shape, wide entry/exit footsteps and comes in many exciting cab colours.

Inside the cabin too, the whole interior has vinyl layer for upholstery, latest driver information display for driver to keep an eye out on truck’s performance, AC, cushioned and adjustable seats and overall ergonomic design to sync with the driver’s need.