FH toughens up for off-road opsVolvo Trucks is making a new heavy-duty bumper available for spec’ing on its FH and FH16 chassis to make the truck more suitable for rugged roads and rougher applications – such as construction work and timber transportation.

“The Volvo FH with the heavy-duty bumper boosts the effectiveness of our flagship truck by adding additional protection to its outstanding power, driving dynamics and cab comfort,” said Ricard Fritz, vice president, Volvo Trucks Brand. “The truck becomes robust enough to better tackle conditions where there is a heightened risk of damage.”

The new bumper for the Volvo FH and FH16 is based on the same concept as the front of the Swedish manufacturer’s FMX, which is specially designed for rough construction environments. The corners and skid plate are made of 3 mm steel and a fixed footstep has been integrated above the skid plate.

The elevated position of the bumper enables an approach angle of over 20 degrees on vehicles spec’d with the extra-high construction chassis, which was introduced on the FH in 2014. A fully certified towing eye made of cast iron and designed to handle 36 tonnes is also on offer as factory-fitted option. Volvo added that the bumper has been extended 132 mm forward to offer additional protection in rough conditions, thereby protecting other vital parts  such as the headlamps.

“The FH and FH16 with heavy-duty bumpers are well-equipped for naturally tough environments, such as construction sites and off-road forestry operations,” said John Comer, product manager for Volvo Trucks, UK & Ireland.