Volvo Trucks unveil new FH heavy-duty bumper
Manufacturer strengthens FH/FH16 offering with newly designed front bumper for tough applications
VOLVO Trucks have designed a new heavy-duty bumper for their FH/FH16 trucks, which helps makes the tractor units more suitable for rugged roads and rougher applications, such as construction work.
Ricard Fritz, vice-president of Volvo Trucks brand, commented: ‘The Volvo FH with the heavy-duty bumper boosts the effectiveness of our flagship truck by adding additional protection to its outstanding power, driving dynamics and cab comfort. The truck becomes robust enough to better tackle conditions where there is a heightened risk of damage.’
The new heavy-duty bumper for the Volvo FH and FH16 units is based on the same concept as the front of the Volvo FMX, which is specifically designed for tough construction environments. The corners and skid plate are made of 3mm steel and a fixed footstep has been integrated into the design above the skid plate.
The elevated position of the bumper contributes to the excellent approach angle, which is over 20º on vehicles with the extra-high construction chassis that was introduced on the Volvo FH in 2014. A fully certified towing eye made of cast iron and designed to handle a substantial 36 tonnes, can now be offered as factory-fitted option.
‘The design challenge was to make the front robust without standing out too much visually,’ said Rikard Orell, design director of Volvo Trucks. ‘The lines of the wedge-shaped steel corners flow smoothly towards the centre of the bumper. This creates a discreet, sturdy expression that doesn’t alter the unique, premium image of the Volvo FH.’
The bumper has been extended 132mm forward in order to take the first hits in rough conditions, protecting vital parts such as the headlamps.
Mr Fritz added: ‘The Volvo FH with heavy-duty bumper is well-equipped for naturally tough environments, such as construction sites and forests. The truck also becomes more capable for heavy long-haul transports in markets with rough roads.’
