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Volvo's top trotter
Page 70
Page 71
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When Volvo launched the FH12 Globetrotter in 1993 it set new standards in cab aerodynamics and living room. Twelve years on it remains hugely popular with drivers. Geoff Ashcroft reports.
The cab space race has been at full tilt ever since Volvo launched its Globetrotter in 1993. Avoiding the plastic pod option, Volvo went for a full steel cab construction; in 1995 the Globetrotter XL arrived with an extra 170mm of headroom.
Initial trim levels included C and CD, the latter bringing wood inserts, driver information display and seats in blue and red leather.
In tractor guise the FH12 was new from the wheels up with a new chassis, new air and spring suspension systems, new bogies and a new 12-litre, six-cylinder engine rated at 340hp,380hp and 420hp. In 1995 the D12 engine was modified to meet the Euro-2 emission limits.
Tractors are available as 4x2s and 6x2s with mid-lift and tag-axle options. Others include chassis in-fill, aerodynamic body kits, twin long-range fuel tanks and Volvo's Engine Brake,VEB.
The FH was facelifted in 2002 to become the Series 2, with CAN-bus technology bringing more on-board monitoring, and optional disc brakes on the 4x2 tractor. Power rose;first to 460hp then to 500hp.While the basic silhouette remained unaltered, tweaks to aerodynamics and a restyled headlamp and front grille assembly set it apart from earlier models.
Upgrading Series 2 also saw the Geartronic automated transmission replaced by the more sophisticated I-Shift, which is now specified by 50% of all Volvo buyers.
Operators whose budget stretches to a used Series 2 will find improved trim packages such as Comfort,Prestige and Office, offering a mix of single and twin bunk sleeping areas with living space that includes extra storage compartments and a fold-down table.
Terry Swinson Transport, based at Uttoxeter,has operated Volvos for over 30 years; tlig fleet of seven 6x2 tractors includes two FH12 Globetrotters.
"We've a 1995 model FH12 420 that's turne over a million kilometres and still gives 7.58mpg; and a late model—also 420hp— on a Yplate that gives 9.5-10mpg depending on the work and the driver," says Danny Swinson.Th difference in fuel consumption, he adds,is down to the newer motor's much lower mileage, though its older stablemate has been lifted to 460hp to keep it strong.
They run at up to 44 tonnes on general haulage throughout the UK and Swinson's drivers average two or three nights a week away racking up 120-150,000km a year, so cab comfort is high on the list of priorities."It's no good being crammed into a small cab — the Globetrotters meet the driver's needs quite comfortably," Swinson explains. "Those that like them and drive them wouldn't get into an other truck."
Performance and reliability over the years have been instrumental in keeping the Swedisl make on Swinson's shopping list: "They're a very good truck and we get good back-up froru our dealers when needed.If the deal is right, :here!s no reason our next rucks shouldn't be Volvos." Machinery transport ;pecialist Richard Long of Wymondham,Norfok runs iine FH12s and anew model H16 6x4 in its fleet of 36 rucks.The fleet is dominated )y23 Scanias — workshop nanager Richard Anderson idmit that the firm chose tiolvcI's Globetrotter XL to ;eep he others on their toes. 'There's no denying that iolvp does make a good truck oo," he adds "But it's clear .ut between our drivers:they ither like Volvo or Scania." The operation involves a lot tf Continental work so there re plenty of left-hookers mong Long's 44-tonne ractors and drawbar rigs.They're averaging 50,000km a year and return about 725mpg.
"We opted for 460hp 6x2 mid-lifts with 14 peed manual gearboxes as a fleet truck, hough we've a couple of 4x2s," he says."We've ad some grief from the gear linkages and a 2,w leaking heater boxes, but no major hassles.
n Prerige trim the cabs are well-appointed ut th steep rake of the windscreen does steal lot of living space from the driver compared rith a 4-Series.The XL looks bigger than it is."
Trucks spend four years on the Long fleet, knderson reports: "After that we've found iat you have to start buying reliability, which
Operators verdict
Volvo F1112 Globetrotter
StYfordsh ire seven-vehicle fleet
Period with Volvo 35 years Ukes Cab comfort, reliability Dislikes None
Operator's verdict
Volvo FH12 Globetrotter Period with Volvo Four years um ps up your costs." •