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Volvo Group insight on truck-test encounter

Truckmaker describes incident involving Simon National Carriers FH16 unit

 

Details have emerged on the Volvo Group Trucks Technology (GTT) Wacol-based team’s ongoing testing of the truckmaker’s heavy haulage componentry in local conditions.

According to Volvo, a recent incident in the Northern Territory underscores not only the gruelling conditions trucks operate in but just how much damage a Volvo FH can handle “and still get the job done”.

“Heat, dust and heavy gross weights all conspire to push engineering capabilities to the test,” Volvo’s account of the incident notes.  

“The team of 40 engineers are tasked with engineering locally manufactured Volvo and Mack products to create a uniquely Australian range of trucks.

“However, the Australian team also provide support to other markets when it comes to torture-testing components destined for other parts of the globe.”

Btriple.JPG

In this case, in the dark of night, a Simon National Carriers FH16, pictured above, collided with a spooked cow on the Barkly Highway, South east of the Three Ways junction.

“Powering the 131-tonne triple road train combination was a European-spec Euro 6 16-litre engine that was being evaluated by Volvo Group’s local GTT team.

“In the spirit of international engineering cooperation, the Australian team were pushing the continental power plant out of its Northern Hemisphere comfort zone.

“The resulting cow-related collision damaged much of the cab structure around the engine and even relocated some of the cooling package.”


Our coverage of Volvo’s turbo compund engine tests down under, here


Volvo notes that, post-collision both drivers inspected the damage, with no coolant lost and the major components of the cooling system still intact.

“The trucks was subsequently able to drive the remaining 18 hours to Darwin, completing the trip before heading to the local dealership for repair.

“No mean feat for a badly damaged vehicle.

“Whilst in Darwin the truck received a new cooling package, including the air-conditioning condenser and gearbox cooler.

“Both bent front cab shock mounts were also replaced as well as an electrical repair to the throttle assembly.”

Back in Brisbane the truck received further repairs, including a new wild-bar and some panel work.

“The impact with over half a tonne of bolting beef failed to damage the chassis or steering components of the FH.

“Not a bad testament to the strength and durability of the Volvo FH at all.”

 

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