Volvo FE User manual

PRODUCT GUIDE
VOLVO FE

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Ideal for delivering refrigerated food yet adaptable as a concrete mixer. Or a refuse transporter. The Volvo FE more
than lives up to its reputation as a multi-purpose vehicle which delivers excellent driveability combined with first-class
productivity. Designed with city and regional distribution in mind, it is easy to load and unload, and offers the driver
a comfortable, spacious environment in which to work. Focusing on simple manouevrability, increased safety and
generous visibility, the Volvo FE does not sacrifice any of Volvo Trucks’ legendary power and performance. Plus,
with Volvo as your working partner, you can take advantage of a wide range of flexible services, safe in the know-
ledge that you have chosen a transport solution of the highest class.
Your flexible
working partner.
This is why:
Easy to own,
easy to drive.
A truck that offers you maximum flexibility
when and where you need it. With unrivalled
all-round capabilities and ease of driving,
you are free to concentrate on your daily
tasks, letting us take the strain.
Low
entry cab.
The Low Entry Cab is designed for refuse
trucks, distribution trucks and other
vehicles used in operations that require
the driver and passenger to climb in and
out of the cab several times a day. This
cab offers a lowered entry step, wider
passenger door opening and a flat floor.
Read more on page 16.
Peace
of mind.
We ensure that our Volvo services keep
you on the road, offering the potential to
maximise your productivity without taking
any unnecessary risks.
Alternative
fuels.
Now you can choose an engine that can
run on fossil free fuel, so called “biodiesel”
or comressed natural gas, so called CNG.
The options are:
– HVO EN15940 (Hydrogenated
Vegetable Oils) on all engines.
– RME (Rapeseed oil Methyl Esters)
for320 hp only.
– CNG (Comressed Natural Gas),
G9K320engine.
All of the options reduces the emissions of
greenhouse gases dramatically. Read more
on page 9.
Comfort.
Designed for long days in the driver’s seat.
Whatever your professional commitments,
the Volvo FE delivers optimum comfort and
ergonomics, making it a place you will want
to call home.
Safety.
At Volvo we pride ourselves in focusing on
your safety. Our trucks are fitted with the
latest, most developed systems to ensure
not only your health and wellbeing, but also
to prevent accidents and to mitigate the
resulting consequences should an accident
occur.

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DAILY COMMODITIES
First-class distribution.
At any temperature.
In a competitive business like distribution, it is comforting to have a reliable vehicle fleet behind you. Particularly
when you are transporting and delivering delicate products such as frozen goods. With its powerful D8K, 6-cylinder
engine with an hp range of 250 to 320 in power output, the Volvo FE delivers top performance and is perfect for
distribution work. Lightweight front and rear axles create the possibility for even more payload. And excellent visibility
facilitates driving in urban environments. Three cab equipment packages are available: Distribution, Distribution+
and Vocational.
Part of the Volvo family.
The distinctive new design, featuring the
Volvo iron mark, is a sign of quality on the
road. We believe that your business can
benefit from a positive partnership with
Volvo. Our heritage of designing trucks of
the highest calibre is respected worldwide.
Welcome to the family.
Headlights.
When you are out on the road making
deliveries, the Volvo FE’s powerful, adjust-
able headlights and fog lamps ensure
good visibility, even in poor conditions.
Furthermore, their distinctive design
ensures that everyone knows there is
a Volvo approaching.
I-Shift – take the weight off your left foot.
Driving with I-Shift means you can forget the clutch pedal. Volvo’s advanced automated
gearshifting uses its built-in intelligence to select the right gear for you at all times. Even
the best drivers find it impossible to match its automatic precision. Just relax. Or if you feel
more comfortable being ‘in control’, you can step in and change gear manually with I-Shift.
The choice is yours. Learn more about I-Shift on page 28.
With superior all-round vision.
The Volvo FE allows you to appreciate
the world around your cab. The size and
strategic placement of the mirrors deliver
the finest possible all-round visibility, while
auxiliary windows provide you with a per-
fect view of the area close to your vehicle.
Tail lift.
The tail lift makes the work much easier
and efficient. You can order your truck
factory prepared for the tail lift with all the
electrical wiring, a switch on the dashboard
and a new icon on the intrument cluster.
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EASY TO OWN, EASY TO DRIVE
Don’t fret,
don’t worry.
At Volvo Trucks, we believe that you should be free to focus
on what is important to you in your professional life. You need
valuable uptime from your truck – we deliver. You can increase
the productivity of your business by employing our flexible
range of services. We also work towards lowering the total
cost of ownership of your vehicle. All things considered, the
Volvo FE represents an extremely profitable enterprise for you
and your business.
Seeing is believing.
And performing.
In a Volvo FE, you’ll always have a good
feel for your surroundings. The placement
and size of the mirrors together with the
sightline through the front windshield will
provide you with the best possible visibil-
ity. Add to that the auxiliary windows and
you’re left with the best possible condi-
tions for managing the inner-city hustle.
Flexible contracts tailored
to your needs.
With a selection of Volvo Service Contracts,
you can take advantage of the ideal trans-
port solution. Our contracts offer you the
freedom to decide on the maintenance and
repair of your vehicle’s operation, when
required. This flexibility helps keep your
productivity at a maximum. Specific super-
structures can also be included in your
contract.
Your truck – the way you want it.
At Volvo we fit our trucks to your require-
ments. By letting us know what you need
from your Volvo FE, we can then prepare
the truck directly from the factory, with the
necessary body attachments and electrical
connections for the bodybuilder. This pro-
cess significantly shortens lead times when
building the superstructure, which means
that you receive exactly the truck you want
for your business – fast.
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Simple manouevring
– wherever you are.
The Volvo FE is easy to manouevre even in
the most congested spaces. It is a vehicle
that allows for easy steering and smooth
acceleration, as well as providing an array
of instruments to help you navigate every
situation.
Because driving
should be a pleasure.
When constructing the instrument cluster
and dashboard of the Volvo FE, we felt it
was important to focus on common-sense
simplicity. The placing of the dashboard’s
gauges and instruments is designed to be
operated with a single glance, offering the
best possible ergonomics and allowing you
to enjoy a smooth, intuitive drive, however
busy the roads are.
Volvo Premium Lease.
If it suits you to lease your distribution
vehicle or vehicle fleet, a Volvo Premium
Lease is available for a monthly fee.
Acomprehensive package is avail-
able, including everything except fuel and
driver costs. Let your business run smoothly.
Read more about Volvo services on
page 31.
The complex system
that makes it easier.
Every function on the truck can be simply
activated from the driver’s seat. A modern,
comprehensive electrical system permits
easy control and regulation, while applica-
tions can be introduced on specification.
Your vehicle is secure.
An advanced remote-controlled alarm
system makes the Volvo FE an enemy
of the thief. Easily activated in the event
of unwelcome guests trying to open the
doors or disturb the vehicle, it offers you
peace of mind when you are elsewhere.
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VARIABLE GEOMETRY TURBO
Improved truck performance at low speed is
achieved through the use of a variable geometry
turbo. This allows the effective aspect ratio of the
engine’s turbo to be altered and contributes to the
flat torque output and super-fast response.
COMPRESSION BRAKE AND
EXHAUST BRAKE
The D8K engine is fitted with a powerful engine
brake, which saves the wheel brakes and extends
the lifetime of both the brake pads and the brake
discs. The Volvo FE offers a choice of an exhaust
brake, or a compression & exhaust brake, both
providing powerful braking on demand.
ENGINE REGENERATION
When the engine and exhaust after-treatment
system (EATS) are operating, soot and sulphur
accumulate in the EATS. This is controlled by
natural chemical reactions when using the truck.
Only in extreme conditions is driver intervention
required to control regeneration – normally no
action is needed.
STARTING HELP
Also called muddy site, this helps you to maintain
constant revs in your selected gear. This option
is particularly effective when starting on slippery
road surfaces.
SERVICE INTERVALS AND MAINTENANCE
REQUIREMENTS STAY THE SAME
Volvo FE owners do not have to worry about inter-
vals of service or added maintenance require-
ments on their vehicles, despite the increased
demands on engines and service personnel as a
result of Euro 6. There are no changes to these
requirements.
VOLVO ENGINE RANGE
Power and
performance
on demand.
Flexibility, power, quick response – and kinder to the environment. Volvo FE engines ensure a performance which
makes the vehicle an essential professional tool for city and regional distribution. The range is now extended
with engines for alternative fuels and a extra power and torque strong 350 hp engine for demanding operations.
Incorporating the very latest in machine technology, the Volvo FE represents the perfect long-term investment when
you need to ensure maximum uptime and productivity for your business.
EURO 6
The strict European exhaust standards for diesel
engines are set to regulate the amount of pol-
lutants. The Euro 6 standard, applicable from
the start of 2014, demands a severe reduction
compared to its predecessor Euro 5, sometimes
by as much as 75%. Volvo Trucks’ solution to
the challenge is to refine the Selective Catalyst
Reduction (SCR) technology by adding a water-
cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system
to the engine. The engines available for the Volvo
FE range have been meticulously constructed and
engineered to comply with Euro 6 without losing
power or torque, or increasing fuel consumption.
A win-win situation. For drivers as well as for the
environment.
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ENGINE IDLE SHUTDOWN
When the engine is left on idling for
a defined period of time, the engine
switches off to save fuel and reduce
emissions. Good for your bottom line
and the environment.
EXHAUST AFTER-TREATMENT
The D8K engine’s emissions are
filtered using a combination of
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR)
and Exhaust Gas Recirculation
(EGR) systems. An extra injector
is fitted on the exhaust in order to
regulate the correct temperature of
the exhaust gas for further exhaust
treatment.
THE D8K – POWER
PERFECTLY MATCHED
The Volvo D8K engine is an all-new
6-cylinder, 8-litre engine with power
outputs 250, 280, 320 and 350 hp. It
is the perfect match with Volvo FE,
with optimal adaptability and top
performance.
ALTERNATIVE FUELS
Diesel is only one of the fuel alterna-
tives for the Volvo FE. The are many
options if you want to help the
environment, and enjoy the incentives
available in your market.
CNG
A 9-litre engine with 320 hp
1,356Nm of torque that runs on
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
TheCO2emissions are reduced by up
to 70%, compared to a diesel truck.
Read more on page 12.
HVO
All power levels for D8K engines
are certified for synthetic diesel
(Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils –
HVOEN15940).
RME
There is a variant of our D8K320
engine that will run on pure bio-
diesel (Rapeseed Oil Methyl Esters –
RMEB100) – certified for Euro 6.
POWER TAKE-OFF
The power take-offs on the Volvo
FE provide power for running an
auxiliary application or the vehicle’s
own load-handling equipment.
COMMON RAIL
INJECTION SYSTEM
The high-pressure electronic injec-
tion is provided by common rail, with a
maximum pressure of 2,000 bar.
QUICK RESPONSE
The D8K engine is a top performer in
any situation. Where tight man-
ouevring is required – in heavy urban
traffic for example – you can rely on a
lightning-fast response everytime.
ADBLUE
AdBlue is added from a separate
tank, lowering exhaust emissions.
AdBlue accounts for 5–6% of the
Volvo FE engine’s diesel consump-
tion.
TORQUE
The D8K engine produces a wider,
flatter torque and a better response
at low rpm – on curves for example.
Maximum torque is now 1,400 Nm,
which lessens the need for changing
gears.
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THE FLEXIBLE CHASSIS
A framework
for success.
TRAILING AXLES
There are two types of trailing axles
on the FE chassis. The TA-FIXED
axle is a fixed tag axle with single or
double wheels. The TA-HYDRS is a
hydraulically steered tag axle with
single wheels only.
REAR AXLES
Four different rear axles are available
in various combinations. Load capacity
varies from 13 to 23 tonnes.
SPECIAL APPLICATIONS
For specific applications such as
refuse transporters, tankers and
cranes, the chassis can be specially
adapted. Fuel tanks and/or AdBlue
tanks are repositioned in order to
accommodate the application in
question.
TAILOR-MADE, PREPARED
OR STANDARD
The Volvo FE chassis can be ordered
with a standard layout. But if you
really want to make it easy for the
bodybuilder you can order it with the
preparation kit or even completely
adapted to fit your specific needs.
Thanks to the Volvo Bodybuilder
Instructions (VBI system), the
lead-times for the bodybuilder are
shortened and you’ll get your perfect
truck, with the perfect superstructure,
adapted to your specific business
operations, in the shortest time
possible.
When adapting the chassis of the Volvo FE, our engineers set their imaginations to work. A flexible model was the
collective vision, one that could be fitted to almost any assignment a truck could undertake. They then developed
a sturdy, durable chassis with foldable side underrun protection which, although light, could bear heavy loads and
could be easily customised. The choice of a 9 tonnes front axle made the truck even more agile. Now you can put
the results of their endeavour to the test.
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TOOLBOXES
The Volvo FE comes equipped with
two separate toolboxes – a smaller
version with 55 litres in volume and a
larger 125-litre model. These are per-
fect for keeping load security straps
or other equipment.
FRAME HEIGHT
There are two variants of frame height
(FRAME266 and FRAME300) with a
frame thickness of 7mm and 8mm
respectively.
FRAME INNER LINER
On three-axle vehicles there is, as
standard, an inner liner to reinforce
the area around the rear axles’
installation.
WHEELBASE
There is a choice of wheelbases
on the Volvo FE range, between
3,200and 6,800mm depending
on the vehicle model and axle
configuration.
FUEL TANKS
Plastic, steel or aluminium fuel tanks
with varying capacities
of between 160 and 630litres
can be stipulated, according to truck
specifications and special require-
ments.
FRONT AXLES
Maintenance-free front axles are
available on the chassis of the
VolvoFE, with maximum load capac-
ity of 7.1 to 9.0 tonnes.
AIR SUSPENSION
The Electronic Control System
(ECS) can be used to control
the air suspension levelling, via
switches on the dashboard or a
control box. This results in easy,
fast loading, regardless of the
height of the loading ramp.
ALL-NEW CHASSIS
PACKAGING
The improved chassis packaging
for Euro 6 means that the Volvo
FE remains as flexible as before,
unaffected by the stricter emis-
sion requirements.
SUSPENSION
There is a choice of suspension
on the Volvo FE for both front and
rear axles. These are dependent
on the axle load. Air and leaf sus-
pension are available in a variety of
combinations.
SIDE UNDERRUN
PROTECTION
The reinforced, foldable Side
Underrun Protection (SUP)
comes as a factory fitted option.
Designed by Volvo, it combines
secure protection and easy
serviceability.
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VOLVO FE CNG
Powerful, productive
and clean.
Operating in an urban environment and looking for a low emissions alternative to diesel? This looks like a regular
Volvo FE from the outside, but under the hood hides a new Euro 6 engine – powered exclusively by compressed
natural gas (CNG), or preferably compressed biogas.
Automatic transmission.
The automatic transmission means you can
expect the same productivity and driving
characteristics as you get from the regular
Volvo FE. It’s developed for efficient urban
transports.
Operating range.
Choose between 2×4 or 2×3 gas tanks
fitted on the chassis. This gives an operat-
ing range of up to 400 km in light distribu-
tion and up to 250 km in severe refuse
collection.
Power and torque.
The G9K engine delivers a full 320 hp
and 1,356 Nm of torque, and has been
primarily developed for operations involving
short driving cycles with frequent starts
and stops.
Low emissions.
The gas engine emits so low levels of par-
ticles, that no particulate filter is needed.
No AdBlue either. When running on
biogas, the CO2emissions are reduced by
up to 70%, compared to a diesel truck.
A reliable solution.
The 6-cylinder 9-litre Volvo engine utilises
spark ignition technology, have tanks for
compressed gas mounted on both sides
of the chassis and a three-way catalyst.
Efficient and reliable. Horizontal or vertical
muffler is available.
Win the contracts.
Renewable fuel is often a requirement for
winning contracts in refuse transports. The
Volvo FE CNG enables operating in urban
environments with a significantly lower
environmental impact.
400 km
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I-Shift and automatic transmission.
Driving a truck with I-Shift means that you
can simply concentrate on driving your
vehicle from one stopping point to the next
– while still optimising fuel efficiency.
With the automatic transmission, stopping
and starting your vehicle frequently when
collecting refuse is very smooth.
Rear axle.
Carrying a heavy rear load means trusting
the suspension on your truck. The light-
weight rear axle of the Volvo FE supports
weights of 13 tonnes and the air suspension
ensures the smoothest possible journey.
Instep.
Ideal for frequent stops, when entering
and leaving your vehicle. Anti-slip steps
and accessible handholds make your task
easier, even in adverse weather conditions.
Optional lighting on the doors is ideal when
working on dark mornings or at dusk.
WASTE & RECYCLING
When choosing the right truck for your business demands, there
is always the temptation to prioritise or compromise on certain
details. With the Volvo FE you don’t need to.
We fit the superstructure that suits your exact requirements. The FE 6×2 rigid with its low noise level, impressively
low emissions, unrivalled all-round visibility and easy manouevring make it the perfect choice for refuse transporting
operations. Frequent stops and starts are aided by a generous D8K, 6-cylinder, 8-litre engine, performing
up to 350 hp, combined with automatic transmission or I-Shift – or choose the CNG driveline with its super low
emissions. The low cab offers a convenient entry with anti-slip steps. However, with an interior this comfortable,
you might not want to get out too often.
The truck that
delivers a clean
sweep.
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15

LOW ENTRY CAB
Hop in, hop out
made easy.
Welcome to an easier working day. The Volvo FE low entry cab is designed for operations that require frequent
stops. Whether its refuse collection or goods delivery, you’ll experience less strain and fatigue, and simply focus
on getting the job done.
Safe – like every Volvo Truck.
The option of doors with low extra windows
greatly improve the driver’s visibility along-
side the cab.
The cab is fitted as standard with FUP
(Front Underrun Protection). This prevents
smaller oncoming vehicles from becoming
wedged under the truck in the event of a
frontal collision, while energy-absorbing
materials in the cab effectively shield the
driver and passengers.
Volvo FE cab safety levels correspond
to Swedish requirements. This means that
unrivalled protection is offered in all acci-
dents, for example in the unlikely event of
the truck rolling over.
Built for comfort.
The low entry cab offers high comfort with
its ergonomic driving position, ergonomi-
cally designed seating, low noise level and
world-class safety.
It looks good too. A stylish, spacious
interior includes red seat belts. The cab
can be fitted with two or three passenger
seats.
Easy to enter.
With a comfortably low entry step and a
90 degree door opening, you can step in
and out without effort. The cab cab can
even be ordered with kneeling function,
lowering the entrance an extra 90 mm.
Get the complete picture.
A large front window offers superb vis-
ibility, complemented by ergonomically
designed rear-view mirrors. The cab wind-
screen is available in two variants, either
with tinted-only glass, or with tinted and
heat-reflecting glass.
The low entry cab can also be specified
with electric heating, with an optional park-
ing heater also available.
A perfect match.
Combine the low entry cab with the
CNG powertrain that offers power and
torque with low emissions. Read more on
page 12.
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CAB INTERIOR
Step into a
more comfortable
working day.
When your daily routine requires entering and exiting your vehicle frequently, a convenient, ergonomically designed
instep is a must. Once inside, a spacious interior with well-appointed features makes your truck a relaxed space that
is a real pleasure to work in. Take a look around the Volvo FE interior – adapted with your comfort in mind.
Audio options.
Choose between several audio packages.
They can include RDS radio, USB connec-
tion, Bluetooth for streaming music and
connection dual phones and hands-free as
well as DAB preparation.
Spacious cab sizes.
There are four different spacious cab
options with the Volvo FE. The day cab
is the most compact of the three while
the comfort cab can be equipped with
or without bed. The low entry cab offers
unmatched comfortable entry. The larger
sleeper cab always comes with a bed,
offering ample space for rest and relaxa-
tion. Learn more on page 32.
Even more generous
storage space.
Look around the cab and you will find an
abundance of space to store your items.
Storage compartments in the dashboard.
In the doors. Above your head. Between
the seats. Plus, you have the option of add-
ing yet more storage units if you so wish.
Steering wheel.
The steering wheel can be adjusted to
your favoured position and has a diameter
of either 460 or 500 mm.
Instep.
Optional stairwell lighting is available in the
form of a lamp in the door’s lower frame.
Accessible handholds and two anti-slip
steps make regular entry and exit of your
vehicle easy.
Cab suspension.
A smooth drive is guaranteed by the Volvo
FE’s state-of-the-art cab suspension. There
is a mechanical cab suspension, with coiled
springs and shock absorbers at both front
and rear, while full air cab suspension feat-
ures bellows at both front and rear.
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All-new seats.
New ergonomic seats are a key feature of
the latest Volvo FE interior, with improved
anchoring, integrated head-restraint and
seat belt. New upholstery material provides
added resistance to dirt. Both the driver
and the passenger seats can be adjusted
to suit your needs.
Climate control options.
A climate unit keeps the cab temperature
at the right level – with or without the use
of air conditioning.
Low interior noise.
Maximum sound isolation means that the
Volvo FE can be driven in a relaxed environ-
ment with engine and tyre noise minimised.
Ergonomic thinking.
When planning a cab’s layout, we consider
what is most important to you, the driver.
It’s called ergonomic thinking. Placing the
instruments and gearshift strategically, so
that you can reach and control everything
without straining. The controls you use
most often are placed close to the steering
wheel, making your job a great deal easier.
Dashboard and
centre consol layout.
The dashboard and cluster layout makes it
easy to access the vital information you will
need. Speed, rpm, fuel and oil levels are
all instantly visible, helping you plan your
journey with ease.
DIN compartments.
Above the windscreen there are two storage
units, as well as four DIN compartments.
The DIN compartments are intended for
items such as a communication radio, extra
storage and tachograph.
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Front grille.
The front grille features a honeycomb
mesh pattern that allows for more efficient
air-flow, facilitating improved cooling of the
engine and the after-treatment process.
Optional roof hatch.
A roof hatch is available – either in glass or
metal – which is controlled either manually
or electrically.
A comprehensive solution.
With maximum adaptability and excellent
driveability, the Volvo FE represents a
perfect choice when looking to optimise
productivity in your business. We make
sure you receive the exact vehicle you need.
Whether your business is construction,
distribution or refuse handling, the Volvo
FE is here to do the job.
Part of our premium range.
The Volvo FE is part of Volvo’s premium
truck range – from the mighty Volvo
FH16 to the Volvo FMX, a rugged beast
of a construction vehicle. No matter your
assignment, we have the truck to match.
Air Deflectors.
Air deflectors assist in decreasing resist-
ance and additional wind deflector panels
reduce fuel consumption even more.
Feel proud to drive a Volvo.
The prestigious iron mark on the Volvo
FE is now placed high on the front of the
vehicle, closer to you, the driver.
CAB EXTERIOR
We took something good
and made it better.
When designing and building our range of trucks, we believe in each member of the Volvo
family having its own distinct personality. The Volvo FE stands out from the crowd in this
respect. It is a vehicle that radiates a particular confidence, and a balanced, sleek exterior
marks out its territory as the highest quality vehicle in its specific field. A recent new design
builds on this unique personality, achieving a thoroughly modern look. Trademark V-shaped
LED lamps are one of its most recognisable characteristics on approach. The Volvo FE
–all things considered, a mark of distinction.
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