Volvo is one of the world leaders in the production of heavy vehicles. Among the wide range of manufactured models, the Volvo FH12 truck tractor can be distinguished. It is designed to work as part of a road train with a total weight of up to sixty tons.
A bit of history
Production of the Volvo FH12 (photo below) began back in 1993. And until that moment there were seven years of development. And not surprising, given the fact that the car was designed from scratch.
At first, only two modifications were produced. They differed mainly in power units. One version was equipped with an engine with a volume of twelve liters with a direct injection system. A motor with a large volume (sixteen liters) was installed on the second modification.
In 1998, manufacturers decided on restyling. The changes affected the technical side. More powerful engines appeared (460 horsepower). The transmission was updated, the torque increased to 2.5 kNm. The electronic control has changed. A screen appeared in the cockpit displaying all the necessary indicators.
in 2000, the second generation of the Volvo FH12 appeared. A photo of the cabin inside can be viewed below. This is true, as the new models had a redesigned cabin beyond recognition. Powertrain also changed. Over the following years, several more powerful engines appeared in the engine line. Restyling took place in 2008. All changes concerned the improvement of comfort and safety.
And finally, the third generation Volvo FH12 appeared in 2012. Its main difference is an independent suspension.
Power units
The FSH truck tractor range is characterized by a wide variety of engines.
For example, the twelve-liter D12A engine has a capacity of up to five hundred horsepower. This value is achieved through intercooler and turbocharger. Conforms to Euro-3 standards.
Another popular version of the engines is the D13A. This is a diesel engine with cylinders in a row. Its working volume is 12.8 liters. It has several power options in the range of 400-520 horsepower.
Main characteristics
The main indicators of the car Volvo FH12 depend on the selected version. So, in the basic model, the dimensions are as follows: length - 5.9 m, width - 2.5 m, height - 3.9 m. Wheelbase is 3.7 m. Track - 2.0 m and 1.8 m for the front and rear wheels respectively.
In the basic version with a 4x2 wheel formula, the payload is 8.5 tons, the permissible weight is 18.2 tons and 22 tons as part of a road train. In the modification with the 8x4 wheel formula, these indicators significantly increase and amount to 21 tons and 34 tons, respectively.
The car is capable of speeds of ninety kilometers per hour. Fuel consumption per hundred kilometers is 36 liters on the highway and 42 liters in the city. The volume of the fuel tank is 690 + 490 liters (main + additional).
Volvo FH12 tractor unit is a great option that has the traditional characteristics of Swedish technology. This is high quality, reliability and a high level of security. Power units are capable of carrying large loads over long distances. A comfortable cabin will not allow the driver to get tired during the journey.