Ten new Volvo tippers for CEMEX

New DVS-rated FM 460 8x4 tippers fit the bill in building materials company’s safety vision

CEMEX have added 10 new Volvo FM 460 8x4 tippers to its UK fleet, all meeting Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) rating. The trucks will work out of the company’s Angerstein depot in Greenwich and be used to deliver aggregates and sand to construction sites across the capital.

Key to winning the order was the improved visibility and layout of the latest-generation FM’s day cabs, which provide an ideal workplace for CEMEX’s drivers whilst aiding the safety of other road users.

Nigel Ponton, national fleet engineer at CEMEX, said: ‘These are the first batch of Volvos we have had for several years, but the two businesses have a long tradition of working together and have recently entered into a new global procurement agreement. Safety is the number one focus whenever we add new trucks to our operation and these Volvos tick every box in that respect.

‘The added visibility in the latest model FM cab is really impressive and so many of the safety features we require on our trucks were available as original equipment too, which was another important factor.

‘These trucks will all be working in the busy streets across London, so it’s imperative we provide the drivers with the best tools possible to do the job and help protect any vulnerable road users.’

The latest FM cab has raised A-pillars that give it up to one extra cubic metre of space and more light. A large windscreen, low door line, a side-scan system and modern mirrors ensure excellent all-round visibility, which is improved further with an added lower window on the passenger door.

Powered by Volvo’s D11K engine, which provides up to 460hp and up to 2,200Nm of torque, the FMs are expected to clock-up around 80,000km per year.

Each truck is equipped with Volvo’s 12-speed I-Shift automated transmission, with added construction software for off-road applications, allowing perfectly timed gear changes for an easier, safer, and more comfortable drive.

Built on a 5,100mm wheelbase, the FMs have been specified with a high chassis to aid ground clearance on rough terrain and come fitted with Wilcox tipper bodywork.

Thanks to their lightweight aluminium body, the business will be able to increase the amount of material transported in each load, while the engine meets the Euro 6 exhaust emissions requirements, which reduces nitrogen oxide (NOX) by 80% and particulate emissions by 50%, compared with Euro 5.

‘We’ve had these fleet additions specifically built with lightweight bodies to reach the 20-tonne payload, which is kind of the golden number in the aggregate world for an 8x4 tipper,’ added Mr Ponton.

‘With improved fuel efficiencies and enhanced payload, these new Volvos are the most sustainable vehicles we’ve ever had and will help decarbonize our delivery footprint.’

The 10 FMs are all covered by five-year Volvo Gold Contracts to guarantee maximum uptime and peace of mind, with all servicing and maintenance work being carried out at the MC Truck & Bus depot in Thurrock.