Volvo updates FE low-entry cab for more transport operations

[kscarbel2]

Transport Engineer  /  March 16, 2018

Volvo Trucks has announced a new version of its low-entry cab (LEC) for the Volvo FE truck, saying this makes the cab suitable for a wider range of transport operations.

The manufacturer is now offering a version optimised for the driver and a single passenger, with the option of an air-suspended passenger seat.

The new cab option is an extension of the current LEC design, which can transport up to three passengers and offers a walk-through floor. These functions are needed in some operations, says Volvo, but are not necessary in all cases where a low entry could be an advantage.

“In city distribution, for example, the driver does all the driving and deliveries alone,” explains Anders Edenholm, sector manager for distribution at Volvo Trucks.

“However, the low entry offers a huge ergonomic advantage when you have to enter and exit the cab over 50 times a day, plus the enhanced visibility means improved safety for vulnerable road users,” he adds.

The latest version has an engine tunnel instead of a flat floor, and the optional air-suspended seat makes it more suitable for city distribution work, says Volvo.

The Volvo FE has a range of powertrain options, including the option to use HVO in the D8K Euro VI engines, and is available with adaptive cruise control and adjustable speed limiter options – both of which will also prove useful for urban distribution, Volvo points out.

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[james j neiweem]

This may be the beginning of the end for Mack MR/LE

[Maxidyne]

Paccar uses that cab too and may have an agreement blocking Volvo from using it in North America.

[fjh]

50 minutes ago, james j neiweem said:

This may be the beginning of the end for Mack MR/LE

My exact thoughts James!

[kscarbel2]

1 hour ago, Maxidyne said:

Paccar uses that cab too and may have an agreement blocking Volvo from using it in North America.

Since that DAF-produced cab is sold on DAF, Renault, Volvo and Tatra trucks side-by-side in the global market, I’d be surprised if such a situation existed.

[Maxidyne]

Could be a non-compete agreement with GM instead- Volvo dropped the FL cabover without explanation about 20 years ago. Mack sold the 1st generation of the current "slant window" Renault version, but it was dropped around the time Volvo bought Mack. But you can still buy a Volvo FL here, you just have to go to a Paccar dealer and they throw in a Cummins B series engine.

[kscarbel2]

On 3/22/2018 at 3:32 PM, Maxidyne said:

Could be a non-compete agreement with GM instead- Volvo dropped the FL cabover without explanation about 20 years ago. Mack sold the 1st generation of the current "slant window" Renault version, but it was dropped around the time Volvo bought Mack. But you can still buy a Volvo FL here, you just have to go to a Paccar dealer and they throw in a Cummins B series engine.

The FL has been continually sold in the global market.............http://www.volvotrucks.com/en-en/trucks/volvo-fl.html

Mack sold the Renault Midlum thru 2003 (badged as the Freedom), three years after Volvo acquired America's truckbuilding icon.

The Kenworth K270/K370 and Peterbilt model 220 are loosely based on the global market DAF "LF", but aside from the cab "shell" have nothing in common with the Volvo FL. US models only offer the Cummins/Paccar PX-7, while the LF also offers the PX-5.