Volvo FM9 HIGH

The register lists 6 versions with 191 to 286 kW from six-cylinder engines of 9,360 to 9,365 cc. Kerb weights range from 10,290 to 20,540 kg, gross vehicle weights from 20,000 to 30,000 kg. Lengths run from 6,700 to 10,510 mm, widths from 2,500 to 2,600 mm.

With the 9-litre six-cylinder, the FM9 occupied the middle segment between the lighter FL and the heavy FM/FH with 12- and 13-litre engines; as a tractor unit and chassis for tipper and box bodies it was widespread in distribution and regional long-haul transport.

On a used example, checks should cover corrosion on the frame outriggers and spring brackets, the condition of the fifth-wheel coupling on tractor units, sealing of the charge-air cooler and exhaust-gas recirculation on the six-cylinder engine, and on 6x2 chassis the condition of the tag axle; spare parts are widely available through Volvo's service network.

With gross vehicle weights from 20,000 to 30,000 kg, these chassis belong to EU class N3 (over 12 t); operating them requires a category CE driving licence, a tachograph and compliance with driving and rest times, plus, on most European long-haul roads, a distance-based toll. The Euro 3 to Euro 5 emissions standards that applied to vehicles of this period technically forced increasing use of exhaust-gas recirculation, and from Euro 5 onward often SCR catalysis with AdBlue dosing as well.