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In our series examining fleet-spec trucks from the manager's perspective, CM looks at the recently-launched Volvo FM11 LXL.
It tOOk a While for Volvo to come up with an 11-litre engine for the UK fleet market. However, last year, having unveiled a new interior for ils high-datum FH cab. the Swedish truck-maker also launched a 10.8-lilre Dl 1 diesel, together with a taller LXL version of the Globetrotter cab for the lower-height FM tractor.
Why Volvo took so long to offer a smaller displacement alternative to the 13-litre straight-six in its FM fleet tractor is an interesting question, especially since fellow group member Renault has an 11-litre engine in the Premium (CM 8 October) based, ironically, on a bored and stroked version of Volvo's own D9 engine, which also provides the same platform for the DIl.
Moreover, rivals such as MAN and Iveco have long offered smaller displacement diesels based around the 11-litre mark in the UK fleet arena.
The issue of weight
No doubt many Volvo customers have been happy to have the larger capacity Dl 3 diesel in the FM on the grounds that it's a 'big engine working easy'.
It certainly hasn't hurt FM residuals, but for every pro, there's a con, and in the case of the D 13. it's clearly heavier (by 140kg) than the DIl. So, for those hauliers wanting maximum payloads, the Dl 1...