18000L ROPS-Compliant | BMA-Ready | Safer Together Spec
1. Project Snapshot
In this delivery, Any Type Trucks designed and built a Volvo FM11 8×4-based 18,000L water truck for a major Central Queensland contractor operating under Safer Together guidelines and BMA compliance requirements. The build was configured for high-duty civil and light mining operations, with full rollover protection, site safety systems, and modular spray versatility.
2. Volvo FM11 8×4 Platform
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Volvo FM11 8 × 4 rigid |
| Engine | D11K 410hp Euro 5 |
| Transmission | Volvo I-Shift 12-speed AMT |
| GVM / GCM | 35 t / 70 t |
| Wheelbase | 5,100 mm |
| Safety Suite | ESP, adaptive cruise, lane assist, brake emergency alert |
Why FM11? The FM11 is lighter than its FMX or FH counterparts but retains strong torque output and Volvo's reputable electronics and safety backbone. It's a reliable and cost-effective chassis for mid-volume tankers operating across varied terrain.
3. Water Module – 18,000L Civil + Light Mining Spec
| Component | Spec |
|---|---|
| Tank | 18,000L baffled tank, AS2809 compliant, built to suit road and site conditions |
| Mounting | Rear pin-mounted with front rubber isolation blocks – engineered to NCOP (VSB-6) |
| Pump & Spray | Hydraulic pump, rear spray bar, fan sprays, dribble bar, and optional front road wash |
| Cannon | T-Rex electric cannon, joystick controlled, roof-mounted, 50m+ throw |
| Access | Top walkway with fall protection, fold-down ladder, ROPS structure integrated |
| Lighting | Full HELLA ADR-compliant lighting, work lights, beacons, reverse alarm, loomed cabling |
Safety & Compliance Features
ROPS – Certified rollover protection structure built to mine spec
Fire Extinguisher – ADR-approved, side mounted
Wheel Chocks + Signage Brackets – Site-ready layout
BMA Compliant – Includes isolator points, handrails, fire suppression prep, and dual battery cut-offs
Safer Together Features – Enhanced visibility decals, low-voltage site interface, fatigue management signage panels
Operator Feedback (Post-Commissioning)
Operators noted exceptional visibility and ease of use with in-cab joystick control and I-Shift crawling features
Improved surge control and stability with engineered baffle layout
Electrical resilience in wet weather conditions due to sealed and loomed harnessing
4. Volvo FMX – Next Generation Platform (2024–2025)
Looking ahead, the new Volvo FMX series adds significant capabilities for customers planning future water cart investments.
| FMX Upgrade | Value for Fleet Owners |
|---|---|
| 38t bogie + stronger axles | Ideal for scaling to 20,000–32,000L tankers |
| Camera Mirror System (CMS) | Improves aerodynamics and reduces blind spots |
| Steel bumper + 3mm skid plate | Better front-end protection for quarry/mine conditions |
| Euro 6 & Battery-Electric Options | Emissions compliance for Tier 1 mining contracts |
| Volvo Dynamic Steering | Reduces driver fatigue over long operating hours |
For businesses under ESG and Safer Together frameworks, the FMX's full-electric options and driver fatigue aids are aligned with evolving procurement criteria.
5. Why This Build Matters
This Volvo FM11 build demonstrates our ability to integrate safety, compliance, and high-function utility in a mid-volume water cart. With site-mandated inclusions like ROPS, BMA-compliant systems, and Safer Together features, it reflects how Any Type Trucks designs fit-for-purpose assets aligned to your site’s risk profile and operational standards.
6. Planning a Future Volvo FMX Water Cart?
Our team can assist with:
Engineering compliance to BMA, Glencore, or Safer Together specs
Load balancing and axle configuration modelling
Pre-fitment of CMS, telematics, and digital water level monitors
Tank, pump and cannon integration across 18,000–32,000L capacity range
Leveraging Euro 6 or electric drivetrains for Tier 1 projects
Final Thoughts
This FM11-based water truck project shows how a strong foundation can be elevated through clever design, compliant integration, and our commitment to quality.
If you’re looking to transition to the new Volvo FMX chassis or need a BMA-ready water truck for current projects, get in touch. We’ll deliver a truck that meets today’s spec and tomorrow’s standards.
See also
