History

The history of Volvo trucks in Australia started in the late 1960's then as part of the Volvo car activity. In July 1970, a new company, Volvo Australia Pty Ltd, was formed to strengthen the Volvo brand and the support available for car, truck and bus customers. Starting modestly with 95 employees in 2 converted warehouses in Sydney, the growth in Volvo popularity meant these faculties were soon outgrown and new purpose built facilities were built in 1971.

This was the trend in major capitol investment over the next five years, with Volvo locations opening in Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

In June 1972, just 4 years after commencing commercial vehicle operations in Australia, Volvo opened a large plant in Wacol, Queensland to assemble its range of trucks and bus chassis.

At that time, it was the 2nd largest Volvo truck assembly plant outside of Sweden and even today, it is the largest truck assembly plant in Australia.

Wacol factory expansion 1972 - Photos by Millars Photographics/Tony Petch (ARTHA) Collection

The opening was featured in the July 1972 issue of Truck & Bus magazine. Click here to download the aricle in PDF format
Volvo fact feature - July 1972.pdf

This investment culminated in a National Parts Warehouse facilities at Minto in 1975.

Volvo Trucks' global developments over the past 80+ years is an impressive testimony of vision and achievement. You can read more on the key product milestones by following this link
volvotrucks.com/trucks/global/en-gb/company/history/Pages/history.aspx .

The Volvo museum in Gothenburg, Sweden is where you will follow the history of Volvo and its development from 1927 until today. The museum exhibits products from the whole Volvo range, including cars, trucks, buses, construction equipment, marine engines, aero and many more interesting Volvo products over 6000 sq m of large spacious exhibition areas. There are a number of video reviews available at http://www.volvomuseum.com

Volvo trucks in Australia – HISTORY

Volvo Truck milestones in Australia – the Early days

In 1967, Swedish Motor Importers P/L, under the leadership of Max Winkless, import four F86 4x2 trucks for evaluation. Two units operate with Mayne Nickless and two are used for demonstration and promotion

SKD assembly operations are established in Wollongong, NSW.

March 1968 – the first retail sale occurs. Brambles Port Kembla buy a F86. A total of 27 trucks are delivered to customers

1968 saw the release of the larger, more powerful F & G88 models.

In 1969, 96 trucks are sold.

On 1 July 1970, Volvo Australia P/L formed – a collaboration between Swedish Motors and AB Volvo. In 1970, 200 trucks are sold

June 1972 – Wacol Qld Assembly Plant opens. Considered to be the most modern truck plant in Australia and at the time, was the 2nd largest Volvo truck plant in the world !

487 trucks are sold in 1972

In 1973, the G89 - the most powerful Volvo truck so far is released. With its TD120 engine producing 243kW, the G89 extends the appeal of the Volvo truck range.

The N series conventional range is added in 1974 to the popular F model COEs. Available with 7, 10 and 12 litre engines, the N series was aimed at tipper and heavy haulage.

1977 – AB Volvo’s 50th anniversary. In Australia, the 5000th Australian assembled Volvo truck is delivered – to Mr Gorono from Eudlo, Qld.

Swedish Motors - Truck Assembly in Wollongong (1967 - 1971)

The site for the first locally assembly operation was the Swedish Motors facility in W'gong. A crated G88 cab can be seen on the bottom right-hand corner.

With the Mayne Nickless field trials of the F86s proving that the Volvo was going to be an appealing truck for Aussie truck operators, the task of supplying trucks got underway.

The site for the first locally assembly operation was the Swedish Motors facility in W'gong. After the initial few fully imported units, the trucks were bought in as Semi Knocked Down (SKD) kits.

In the SKD kit form, each truck arrived as a collection of crates, having first been fully assembled in Sweden then "knocked down" in sub assemblies. The cabs came in complete, the engine and gearbox as a unit, etc

Coming of Age - Volvo Australia (Pty Ltd)

THE TRUCKS – Model by Model

From the pages of Volvo Torque No 21 Oct 1988

"GOLDEN OLDIES- Volvo 88 Series

The urgent need to replace the Titan model was the start which fired the System 8 product renewal programme. Altlough dattng offlcially from 1951, certaln components of the model originated wlth the earlier LV290 series built from 1937 to 1951.

The forward-control F88 became the mainstay of the 88 series, the normal-control N88 assuming more of a secondary role as the demand for the F-type increased, particularly in export markets. In Scandinavia, however, forward control continued to dominate for some time, especially in the heaviest class.

The introduction of completely new engines (the cylinder dimensions of which were the only feature of the earlier 9.6 litre unit to be retained) was, perhaps, the most important innovation in the 88 series. With the replacement of the 230 bhp TD96C by the new TD l00 (rated at 260 bhp) , the new models were powered by a unit designed for a higher output than was actually required. In technical terms, the new engine was of the latest design, featuring a separate cylinder head, Volvo-designed head gaskets of high strength steel, geardriven auxiliaries and sturdier engine blocks, with integrally-cast reinforcing elements to ensure uniform stress distribution and ellminate point loads.

Different alternatives to the in-line, 6-cylinder unit had been discussed prior to the development of the new engines. However, since all the available experience favoured the in-line configuration, the alternatives were abandoned.

The engines were not the only components to reach the limits of acceptable reliability during the 60s; the same applied to the transmission components which, although dating originally from the immediate postwaryears, had been required to transmit ever higher powers and torques. In the case of the Volvo 88, however, a break was made with tradition and it was decided to design a completely new gearbox. As ameans ofimproving the driveline efficiency, the twinaxle 'Norrland' final drive was dispensed with in favour of an 8-speed gearbox which, with its relatively uniform gear intervals, was designed to ensure operation of the engine within the most efficient and economic speed range. To the Volvo designers, it was self-evident that the new unit should feature synchromesh on all gears to simplify gear changing, and that all eight speeds should be selected with the ordinary gear lever. However, selection was limited to four clearly-defined positions (each with a high and low range to provide the eight speeds) to ensure accuracy of changing. Volvo's first range-type gearbox was designated the R60.

Although the 88 series chassis incorporated several innovations, the new driveline components attracted the greatest interest.

A more powerful F88 (known as the F88-29O), equipped with a 290 bhp engine and destgned exclusively for the British market, was produced in parallel with the standard model with its 260 bhp TDIOOA unit.

The emergence of the forward-control conffguration as the natural choice, together with the imposition of stricter legal hmits on parameters such as overall length, axle load and GVW, necessitated an ongoing process of modification to develop the models into ideal freight carriers. Volvo took a maJor step in this direction in 1970 with the introduction of a modified variant, the G88 in which the front axle was located further forward to increase the distance between it and the rearmost axle - a measure which increased the permissible payload in several countries, including Sweden and Australia. This was accompanied by the introduction of a short cab increasing the available load space within the limitations of a specified overall length.

Although the F88 remained relatively unchanged in mechanical terms, a maJor advance was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1969, when the R60 gearbox was augmented by a 'splitter', doubling the number of speeds to 16. The new SR6l gearbox afforded even greater scope for optimizing engine usage.

The F88 gave Volvo its first foothold in continental European markets, while complementing the F86 in Britain and Australia. The role of the model in the company's development as an international truckmaker cannot be over-emphasised. Produced in greater numbers than any previous model, many F88s are still in service today."

The Volvo Truck experience started in 1966 with the first F86 field evaluation units being tested. In this October 1967 Truck & Bus feature, the F86 is put under the microscope !!
p1 p2 & 3 p4 p5
Volvo f86B ad.jpg

Until the introduction of the Aussie assembled G88 (chassis 51xxxx) and G89 (chassis 52xxxx) models in 1971 unknown numbers of the F88 were imported.

Seen here is an iconic scene near Coober Pedy from the front cover of June 1971 Truck & Bus magazine. Note the front mounted exhaust.

Quite a few were imported as 4X2 and subsequently fitted with a lazy axle. It would appear that no further F88s were assembled or imported until late 1974 when, due to a local supply shortage, a batch of 50 "UK Type F88" (chassis 49xxx and 47xxx) started to arrive.

While these were built in Sweden they had a similar (but not exact) specification to the "290 F88" built in Scotland using interim and early versions of the TD100B motor in readiness for the F10.

They were easily identified by having the wider F89 black grille.

If anyone has knowledge or stories of these we would love to hear from you.

The arrival of the G88 model in Australia was announced in the January 1971 Truck & Bus magazine. Note that the photograph is of a left hand drive model with the later cab, identified by the wipers being below the windscreen. The Aussie assembled G88 was exhibited later that year at the Sydney truck show and carried on with early style wiper position.

‘N’ series

The release of the Volvo N7, N10 and N12 conventional range in 1974 greatly expanded the Volvo truck offer. Focused on the tipper and heavy / tough duty work, the N series provided Australian transport operators with a wide variety of rugged specs over its impressive 16 years in production. During this time, the N series grew in capability and performance, until eventually being replaced by the NL range in 1990.

Extract from Volvo Torque No 17

VOLVO ANNOUNCES THE NEW 'N' SERIES

"In 1973, Volvo intoduced a completely new range of N trucks, which in many respects represented a new approach to the design of this type of truck model. The engine was moved slightly further back to give a shorter overhang, with a pronouncedly sloping bonnet that gave very good close-up visibility. Inaddition, this short bonnet allows for greater pay Ioad lengths such as fullstock crates and 'B' trains. The walk-through facility was not restricted, and the cab interior, the area around the driver's seat, and the entry/exit steps provided a functional and safe workplace for the driver. The 1987 N10 and N12 models include all the basic design solutions incorporated in the 1973 models, but extensive modifications have been made that are aimed at achievinq gneater adaptation to transport requirements and at improving transport economy. The new N series features an entirely new gearbox, specially designed to withstand the heaviest types of transport operations, and a new variant of the Nl0.

MODEL LINEUP

The model variants have been rationalised to two basic models: N1O Intercooler with 220 kW(300 hp) and a torque of 1230 Nm. . N12 Intercoolerwith 283 kW(385 hp) and a torque of 1600 Nm. The N10 Intercooler is the new model in the N series range. With greater efficiency and power output than the N1O Turbo model, the new N1O Intercooler fillsthe gap to the N12 with good economy and fuel efficiency. The TD 101F is the same basic engine that has been operating successfully in Australia for a number of years in the FlO.

NEWGENERATIONGEARBOX

Gearbox development at Volvo has gone hand in hand with development of engines and other driveline components. It is vitally important to operational economy that the driveline as a whole is perfectly matched to each type of transport. A new gearbox with improved performance and quality has been introduced with the new N series. The SRl700 Gearbox. In the same way as its predecessors, the new SR1700 is a fully synchronised, range change type gearbox and features;

12 Speeds with crawler gears o High split as direct gear in the top gear o Built-in air-operated splitter control cylinder . Bearings and gears of large dimensions to achieve long service life and a high level ofoperational reliability . Planetary-gear type of range-change gear . Force-feed oil lubricated bearings . Crawl gear with low gear ratio that gives a wide range of gear ratios o A top gear that is a direct gear . A full-flow type of oil filter . Oil cooler as standard eguipment . Range inhibitor that prevents incorr ect gear changing.

The ratio span of the new gearbox ensures very good initial tractive effort even in combination with fast rear axle ratios. This means that high cruising speeds on the highway and good performance in difficult cross country conditions have been successfully combined.

NEWPOWERTAKE OFFS

Together with the new gearbox, Volvo's range of PTOs has been extended. The options now available include:

Clutch Independent PTO (KOBLAM) for outputs up to I50 hp . Gearbox PTO in 2 designs . Twin Gearbox drive PTO.

The latter 2 options are gearbox mounted and installed on the rear end plate of the gearbox. The Volvo Flygmotor FI Hydraulic pump forms the basis for the gearbox mounted PTOs.

FINAL DRIVES AND SUSPENSION

The current final driverange available throughout the Volvo Truck range will be offered with the new N Series. This extends to the rear suspension options as well.The current BGT 17, B Ride, and BGT 20, T Ride will continue to be offered. These combinations ensure optimum axle loadings in line with the latest regulation changes

3 YEAR CAB WARRANTY

All exposed parts of the cab are now being made with hot-dip galvanised sheet metal. Volvo are so confident that this new process wiil increase cab life that they offer a new 3 year warranty on the cab. Other changes in the cab area include new cab suspension for even better ride comfort for the driver. Now suspended on coil springs and rubber bushes, road vibrations and impacts are effectively isolated for the driver. Other good news for the driver includes a redesigned interior package, similar to the FL range, even better insulation between cab and engine, and a new air operated throttle system. For those drivers wishing to stay overnight with their truck, the good news is that the new N Series will offer a long cab option with sleeping facilities included. To cap off the whole package the new N Series has a new more agressive profile with rectangular headlights and other styling updates. See your Volvo dealer now for more details on the new N Series."

F7

Simon National Carriers have had a long association with Volvo and their Managing Director, David Simon, has contributed these fine working photos of Simon Unit v43 and v74.

F16 - INTERNATIONAL RELEASE

On 22 October in Gothenburg, the Volvo Truck Corporation introduced the new Volvo F16, its most powerful truck model to date, to European markets which permit gross combination weights of 44 t0nnne and above. Deliveries to continental customers are scheduled to commence early in 1988.

The driveline of the Volvo F16 truck incorporates an entirely new 16-litre engine, gearbox and final drive options. With engine power output of 340kW (465bhp) and maximum torque of 2015Nm, the new F16 has been designed for the most demanding types of transport involving high gross combination weights and high average speeds over undulating terrain. The arrival of the F16 is the end result of a development project that commenced in the 1970s. No previous truck introduced by Volvo has been the subject of such extensive design and testing work.

NEW DRIVELINE

The Volvo F16 has an entirely new driveline which enables truck performance to be matched, without compromise, to the most demanding transport operations. The engine, gearbox and rear axle have been designed and developed by the Volvo Ttuck Corporation. All driveline components have been made by Volvo Components Corporation.

NEW 16-LITRE ENGINE

The TD162F diesel engine fitted in F16s is an entirely new design based on the in line, 6 cylinder design principle of other Volvo truck engines. At an early stage it became apparent to Volvo's engine designers that an inline, 6 cylinder engine would produce sufficient power and high torgue, yet be of simple, reliable design, moderate weight and relatively compact dimensions. Volvo's TD162F is an in-line, 6 cylinder, direct injection, 4 stroke, turbocharged and intercooled diesel engine that develops 340kW (465bhp) at a maximum engine speed of 1860rpm. Displacement is 16.72 litres, cylinder dimensions are l44mm diameter x 165mm stroke, while compression ratio is 15:1.

HIGH PERFORMANCE AT LOW ENGINE SPEEDS

This new 16 litre engine is a top performer throughout its entire engine speed range, for example, producing 196kW (267bhp) and 1950Nm torque at 960rpm.

The TD162F engine has two distinct sides, cold and warm. Injection pump and inlet valves are located on the right hand side, while the exhaust valves are on the left. Consequently the injection pump is easily accessible for service and is protected from most of the heat emitted by the engine.

FOUR VALVES PER CYLINDER

Efficient fuel combustion, high power output and torque all result from the TD162F having four valves per cylinder. Thermal efficiency is 44 per cent, which corresponds with low fuel consumption of 193g/kwh.

The camshaft is high in the engine and controlled by cam followers which give precise, efficient engine braking. Power output during engine braking at 2100rpm is 275kW (374bhp).

LOW EMISSIONS

The TD162F's engine block has been made more rigid in form. Great care has been taken to ensure that noise and exhaust emissions are low. It also has potential to comply with all expected tightening up of noise and emission regulations.

EXCLUSIVE NEW GEARBOX

Volvo's new F16 truck is fitted exclusively with an entirely new SR2000 gearbox, which is based on the basic desigm principles of the sR70.

The new SR2000 is a 12 speed, fully synchromesh, range-change gearwith integral splitter section. The highest gear is a direct gear, while the ratio between the lowest and highest synchromesh gears is 10.07:1. There are also two nonsynchromesh crawler gears, the higher ratio being 14.98:1.

TRANSPORT EFFICIENCY

The Volvo F16 is a profitable truck designed to handle high gross combination weights in operations where priority is placed on high average speeds over hilly terrain. Lower gross combination weights of 38 tonne can be justified only when high average speeds are the highest priority.

NB: *Power outputs are in accordance with ISO1585. with fixed cooling fan (according to EEC/l269, DIN70020) corresponding figures are 335kW (456 bhp) and 2005 Nm maximum torque.

FL Range

FIND THE OLDEST TRUCK

Oldest Volvo truck in Australia – any condition
Oldest truck - still running
Oldest working truck – on full registration

The proud owner of this 1968 F86 is Hughes Gravel in the Lockyer Valley, Qld.

According to Neil Hughes, it is the 3rd oldest Volvo in Australia and its legendary service is a credit to its care it has received over the nearly 40 years of ownership !!

The sign writing on the front reflects its age and daily contribution!!

It is the proverbial grandfather axe - nearly every major component has been replaced or upgraded over time - cab, front axle, now a tandem drive with an upgraded chassis but it still earns a dollar today on local on site work.

Hughes family are only the second owner - having acquired it as a well worn single drive in the early '70s.

The other good twist is that the body came off an H&H F86 truck (of Haines Hunter fame)

They are very proud of this Volvo veteran - and their other Volvos !!

Ralph family own a 1978 F86 8x4 and a 1991 F12. The F86 still fully licensed and working on the farm, moving countless loads of rocks, gravel as well as working in town with earthmoving jobs. The F12 works along side of the F86, in WA Midwest

1978 Volvo F86 This F86 was first bought by Lewis in Melbourne for tanker work then sold to C Rees trading under CRT Group. Throughout its history, the F86 was used for bulk tanker work, rail containers, dock work doing timber, then shunter and used as a compressor truck. It was used in Melbourne Sydney and Brisbane where it was retired. It is now privately owned by Gerry and sons and restored to near original condition. Gerry's father had a fleet of F86s in England and it was his job at a young age to clean and grease the F86s ready for the working week ahead. The love of the F86 and Volvo is being continued with our sons. The F86 is being used for the pleasure of our family and spectators at Heritage shows etc.....Convoy for Kids Brisbane, Beenleigh Truck Show, QLD Rally Day at Jondaryan Woolshed, and club runs.

In 2003, Volvo Trucks Australia restored a F88 and donated it to the Australian Road Transport Hall of Fame in Alice Springs. Starting with a well used example, the team in Brisbane toiled away and bought back to life the relatively rare F88 4x2 shown below.

This well preserved F88 belongs to McPhan Crane and Transport of Wyong, NSW.

The owner, David McPhan said "I’m told that the truck is one of only 50 of this “UK Type F88” imported in the mid-seventies. The only other history that I can find is that the truck was, in fact, originally fitted with a Lazy Axle, with Reyco-type suspension and used on Interstate by Jacky Dyer of Gosford in the mid-eighties after purchasing from Hastings Deering – Sydney"

The truck was sold to Vanderpoel Smash Repairs in Wyong and was then sold to the Crane and Transport business that Anthony and I purchased in October 2002. Somewhere after the time that Vanderpoel’s purchased the truck and we took delivery, the lazy axle and suspension were removed and the chassis shortened. The motor has been re-built and the gearbox overhauled, however everything else is original.

Paul Archer, our in-house panel beater/spray painter, gave the Cab/Chassis a complete external makeover nearly 4 years ago and it is still in good presentable condition.

The truck is in almost daily use as a local Prime Mover and Yard Tug and serves as a good training tool for those that are used to high horsepower and 18 speeds!

Sitting resplendent in the Volvo Chullora facility is a fully restored F86, belonging to Volvo group Australia. The 1968 F86, with its 170hp TD70 engine, was donated to Volvo by Sharman Tpt, Sth Australia and restored by VMR Truck Parts

Hunter Valley Vintage Truck Muster 2011 - by Heather Arnold

We took our 1976 N1025 Volvo and our 38ft Freighter trailer.(carrying the 1418 Benz) to the Hunter Valley Vintage Truck Muster, held on May 14 & 15 at the old Pelaw Main coal mine at Kurri Kurri in New South Wales. The event was organised by the Hunter Valley Classic Commercial Vehicle Club (HVCCVC). It was perfect weather and we had a great time. The highlight of the show was the fact that for the first time ever Volvos outnumbered Kenworths, in fact Benzs also outnumbered Kenworths. The total European truck count was a massive ten! This was a show where English and European trucks dominated. Others - for those who like to see some more good ol' lorries, have a look at Heather's blog site..