Volvo Trucks' with Automatic Traction Control
Volvo Trucks is the first truck manufacturer in the world to offer automatic engagement of all wheel drive on construction trucks. The Automatic Traction Control function activates the front wheel drive when the rear wheels lose traction on slippery or soft ground. The driver enjoys improved manoeuvrability, and the owner benefits from lower fuel consumption and less wear and tear on the truck. "Many drivers connect front-wheel drive or differential lock in good time before a difficult section of terrain, in order to avoid getting stuck. Volvo Automatic Traction Control engages the front wheel drive when in motion, and only for the short time that it is really needed," says Jonas Odermalm, Construction Segment Manager at Volvo Trucks.

Volvo Automatic Traction Control, which has now become standard in the Volvo FMX with driven front axle, is already used by Volvo Construction Equipment in their articulated haulers. The solution consists of software connected to the wheel speed sensors which detect and control wheel drive. When a rear wheel starts to slip, the power moves automatically to the front wheels without the truck losing torque or speed. A dog clutch activates the front-wheel drive in just half a second. The clutch is lighter and has fewer moving parts than a traditional solution with permanent all-wheel drive. If the driver encounters particularly rough ground, then it is possible to manually lock the other differentials at both front and rear.