Russian carriers are very fond of American cars. First of all, they are attractive in price and their reliability. But there is another indisputable advantage that the “Europeans” do not have - a spacious cabin. International 9800 is one of those trucks that, with a cabless layout, can be called a real motor home. Serial production of these machines began in 1993. The last truck was released in 1998. What is the American International 9800? Photos, specifications and an overview of this truck - further in our article.
Design
The appearance of the car can not be compared with anything. Typical formidable "American." The International 9800 is one of the last classic US tractors. The car was built on the basis of the 9700th model. It features more modern cabin contours. By the way, the cabin itself is made of galvanized steel. And the sheets are fixed on rivets. The construction is almost eternal - there is nothing to rot. Even the most dead specimens will not have the slightest hint of rust. This is the main advantage of the International 9800 truck.
Model 9800 is one of the few that has a hoodless layout. But this does not mean that the car approached the "Europeans". It is still a long and wide tractor with a capacity of no less than that of Piterbilt. The front of the car has a chrome two-story radiator grille and simple rectangular headlights. Next to them is a plastic turn signal. For the convenience of landing, there are several steps and metal handrails. Also in the cabin there is a cutout for things on the side. Fuel tanks are securely hidden under the "skirt". By the way, International Truck 9800 did not have a visor even in top-end trim levels. But even without it, the car looks very impressive.
Salon
The driver’s workplace is divided into two parts. In front of the nose is a large two-spoke steering wheel and round instrument dials. On the right are the control buttons for the stove, locks and other mechanisms. There is also a pneumatic handbrake lever and a cutout for cup holders (it is deep enough - tea will not spill on the go). On the other hand, such a separation of the front panel significantly hides the free space - reviews say. International 9800 has a cabless layout, so the engine is partially located in the cab. Because of this, it is not possible to make a flat floor.
Moving around the cabin is quite convenient. In particular, this is the merit of the high roof. But in some modifications, only a spoiler is installed on top. This makes the cabin very small. Fortunately, most of the tractors International 9800 came with a high cab. The workplace is organized so that the driver can reach all the necessary devices without looking up from the back. Ergonomics are well thought out in the car. Mirrors are very wide and informative.
The machine has a wide sleeping bag, which also has a retractable window. Additionally, the berth is closed with curtains. For better heating in the winter, a car is provided with an autonomy.
It has everything for comfort - a TV, a table, a wardrobe. Some versions even have a microwave. But usually it is removed when the car is transported to Russia. Upholstery - dermatin or leatherette. The seats are velor, very durable. A folding armrest is provided for the driver. Also, the driver's seat can be rotated 180 degrees.
International 9800: specifications
The famous turbocharged Cummins ISM-370 model was installed on this tractor. This is a 385 horsepower diesel six-cylinder engine. The working volume of the power unit is 10.8 liters. Despite the low power, the motor has incredible torque. At 1200 rpm, it is almost 2 thousand Nm. Paired with this engine is a 13-speed manual. Additionally, the car is equipped with a motor brake and a fuel heating system (for this reason, the car copes with Russian frosts without any problems). Acceleration to hundreds was not regulated. But the maximum speed is 120 kilometers per hour. It is not limited in software, as on European tractors (usually the electronics turn off the engine at 85-90 kilometers per hour). As for fuel consumption, a car spends about 30 liters per hundred. Very economical, but the thrust will be weaker than even on the Volvo FM.
Chassis
The machine has a spring front suspension. Rear mounted air cylinders. Brakes - drum, pneumatic drive. Additionally, the car is equipped with an ABS system. The drive is carried out on two rear axles. They can be locked from the passenger compartment. This function especially helps in the winter when the car skids in snowdrifts.
But you can’t ride with a lock for a long time - the bridge will be damaged. The suspension itself is very reliable and unpretentious in maintenance. The compressor on the International 9800 stably generates air, cylinders do not "poison" over time. Yes, and the front springs do not sag. But in the event of a breakdown, finding something will be very difficult.
Driving performance
If the “Americans” were so good, absolutely all Russian carriers would ride them (we don’t take European carriers into account, since such cars are prohibited at the legislative level).
But on the streets we often meet "MANs", "DAFs" and other European equipment. What is the catch? The main disadvantage of American trucks is driving performance. Yes, they have a spacious cabin (almost a motor home). But on the go, these cars are very tough. The Americans are driving harder, the gearbox is switching harder. And on bumps you can bounce almost to the ceiling. In this regard, the European truck is much higher than the American. And so much so that drivers are ready to put up with a small cab.
Is it wise to buy?
Now International 9800 can be purchased for 500-800 thousand rubles. However, it is very difficult to find a car with a mileage of less than a million kilometers. Yes, Cummins is a very hardy engine. But now there are few specialists who will be engaged in its repair. As practice shows, the resource of an 11-liter engine is about two million kilometers. It is also worth remembering that the interior wears out as well. And to find something in the disassembly is not possible. They stopped producing these machines in 1998. It is very difficult to buy consumables for it.
And if there is anything, then at an inflated price. Therefore, International 9800 is so rare now on our roads. The machine is surviving in recent years.
Conclusion
So, we found out what this American truck is. This machine has been tested for years and has established itself as a reliable and unpretentious device. But due to the lack of spare parts, it becomes unprofitable to operate such a machine. Therefore, soon it will be visible only in pictures. By the way, recently appeared a mod on International 9800 in Euro Truck Simulator 2. Now everyone can feel like a driver of the legend by downloading this modification for the game. This mod is free and you can download it on any specialized site.