[benbsb29]

Volvo launches the FM 480 Dump Truck with a 10x4 configuration. Built specifically for deep opencast mining, the 10x4 is touted as a gamechanger in the industry. The 10x4 takes the game forward from the 8x4 configuration which is currently popular within the mining circuits.

Based on the FM13 litre platform, the FM 480 has a 43 ton capacity.

Priced at INR 1,08,00,000

[benbsb29]

Specifications and salient features:

• 13L engine with a 43 ton capacity
• 480 HP and 2400 Nm torque
• Euro 3 compliant - Volvo D13A480 engine
• Crawler gear ratio of 16.41 : 1
• Robust : 24 metre cube rock body suited to mining applications
• 5 axle dump truck, 3 steerable
• Air suspended pusher axle with electronically controlled suspension for optimized load distribution
• Additional parking brake on rear-axle for braking on steep gradients

[benbsb29]

Volvo claims the FM 480:

• Maintains higher average speeds
• Returns better fuel efficiency
• Has a greater payload capacity

Despite the current challenges plaguing the mining industry in India, the FM 480 has already bagged 35 orders. Volvo targets to sell about 130 units in the coming year.

[benbsb29]

Team-BHP was part of a select team that witnessed the launch of the 10x4 FM 480 at Volvo's plant @ Hoskote (near Bangalore).

Some pics from the launch event :

Volvo officials at the launch


The background at the unveiling


The current champs - the 8x4 config dump trucks


Another variant of the 8x4 config FM series


8x4s in the company of the Big Daddy - the FM 480 10x4

[benbsb29]

The headlight cluster


This monster runs on MRFs


View from the rear, observe the huge load bay


Diesel fuel filter / water separator

[benbsb29]

Some Interior pics





Look ma, I've got cup holders too!


Two power supply outlets - 12V and 24 V; Netting to keep books / papers - similar to that on the Volvo buses




Fire extinguisher beside the driver's seat


Other discussions from the event:

Volvo's experience of 15 years in India has helped them establish a wide network of over 180 service centers. Volvo is also offering an onsite service facility for its customers. Speaking at the event, Mr Ramarao from After-Sales explained the approach followed by Volvo to ensure service connectivity. The company also mentioned steps taken by it for driver training, and expressed concern over the current lack of trained drivers.

[GTO]

Thread moved from the Assembly Line to the Commercial Vehicle Section. Thanks for sharing!

[F150]

Fantastic Report !

Rs 1 Cr for a truck. OMG

The interior plastic quality looks very good.

How much would a similar specced truck from TATA or Daimler ?

Could you add more pics of the interiors ?

[deetjohn]

Looks awesome. Nice cabin as well.

2 questions.

1. How many axles get the drive?
2. Don't these Dump Trucks have a tailgate(?) for the load bay? I have seen many pictures of different Dump Trucks in mines without the rear gate. Doesn't this hamper the loading capacity?

[condor]

Monsters .. capacity wise and price-wise.

Cool - TBHP getting invited for commercial vehicle launches too !

[benbsb29]

Originally Posted by F150

Fantastic Report !

Rs 1 Cr for a truck. OMG

The interior plastic quality looks very good.

How much would a similar specced truck from TATA or Daimler ?

Could you add more pics of the interiors ?

Competition is from the Actros series of trucks from MB. I am not sure of the price range though.

I dont have any more good pics of the interiors. These pics were taken within a matter of a few mins which i got to check out the cabin.

Originally Posted by deetjohn

Looks awesome. Nice cabin as well.

2 questions.

1. How many axles get the drive?
2. Don't these Dump Trucks have a tailgate(?) for the load bay? I have seen many pictures of different Dump Trucks in mines without the rear gate. Doesn't this hamper the loading capacity?

Both the rear axles are responsible for powering the vehicle.
The front three are for steering, of which the front two are mechanically controlled and hydraulically operated, while the third one is electronically controlled and hydraulically operated.

The truck has 5 ECUs onboard!

[F150]

Originally Posted by benbsb29

Both the rear axles are responsible for powering the vehicle.
The front three are for steering, of which the front two are mechanically controlled and hydraulically operated, while the third one is electronically controlled and hydraulically operated.

The truck has 5 ECUs onboard!

Third axle is electronically controlled. Wow !
What parameters are used to control it ? Are there any special sensors for this electonic control ?

[D33-PAC]

Insane, 1 crore for this thing. I bet half of that just goes to the government? Can someone clarify this please?

But now that I think of it, it doesn't seem too eye watering. Wasn't the first Volvo tipper in India launched at more or less the same price?

I truly wonder whether companies in India would go for something like this. In the civil field, the usage of foreign machines has already lessened. I wonder how the mining industry in India would react to this.

I have noticed that in AP's Singareni coal mines, Primas have already started replacing the exhausted Euro fleet. Perhaps the government sector companies are careful about the money, but can anyone comment about private companies ?!

If one can get 2 Primas for this, is it really worth it?

If the larger off road trucks are used for coal extraction, does it mean that this is intended for iron ore miners?

[volkman10]

Reliability is the key factor in the Mining industry. That is where Volvo equipments are preferred and justified.

Cheers!

[jkdas]

Holy ! 2400Nm! Just curious, what top speed can these do with full load?

Lets see what Merc gonna do now. Does Tata feel the heat?