A new Volvo video puts a production FH16 against a 750-tonne, 40-trailer haul
Volvo Trucks has unveiled a new stunt – this time tasking a Volvo FH16 to haul a 750-tonne road train across through the Gothenburg Ro/Ro Terminal in Sweden.
To demonstrate the power of the new crawler gears in the I-Shift transmission, the production FH16 was hooked up to 40 trailers – stretching 300-metres – each stacked with two shipping containers.
With the ability to travel at speeds as low as 0.5-2 km/h, the crawler gears aid heavily-loaded vehicles gain momentum.
Speaking at the launch of the new gears, Volvo Trucks product manager FM and FMX Peter Hardin says “I-Shift with crawler gears offers an entirely new scope for heavy trucks with automated transmission to regulate their speed when crawling slowly and reversing.”
“The driver can haul a heavy load without worrying about getting into situations that may lead to costly standstills,” he says.
While Hardin suggests the gears will benefit those in construction, mining, or forrestry, he says the new I-Shift transmssion will help in all poor conditions, such as a wet Swedish dock.
“The heavier the transport operation and the poorer the surface or the terrain, the more the driver gains from a truck with crawler gears,” Hardin says.
Battling weather and a few trailer brake problems, and using crawler gears that are designed to move loads up to 325-tonnes, the 750-tonne challenge sees the world’s strongest man Magnus Samuelsson behind the wheel of the Volvo prime mover and trucking journalist Brian Weatherley in the passenger seat.
Will the pair cross the finish line? Watch the video below.