The Ikarus 256 bus was mass-produced from 1977 to 2002 by a Hungarian automaker. The model was similar to the 250th. The difference was only its length, which was one meter less. Compared with the previous modification, the 256th had more functional innovations, was more comfortable and met all the requirements of a tourist bus. It was mainly used as a means of transport between cities and as a bus for tourist routes. Over the entire production period, Ikarus 256 has been modified and supplemented several times with new equipment. So, on the basis of the model, the following modifications were released: 256.21, 256.50, 256.51, 256.54, 256.74, 256.75.
Of course, at the moment, the cars of the above modifications are inferior in terms of comfort to the newer tourist buses, especially foreign production such as "Neoplan", "Scania", etc.
But at that time it was the most popular vehicle for transporting passengers on intercity and just like a tourist and sightseeing bus. Using the 256th model has become less relevant. But still, it can often be seen on public roads.
Ikarus 256: technical specifications
The length of the bus is eleven meters, height - three meters ten centimeters, width - two and a half meters. Wheelbase - 5330 mm, clearance - 350 mm. The front and rear overhangs are 2460 and 3180 mm, respectively.
The supporting body of the bus has a wagon type layout and is made in a square shape. The sides of the 256th are made by welding metal sheets, which affects their strength. They are also easily repaired during deformation.
The transport was equipped with stamped wheels, which were used on most domestic heavy vehicles, so they were interchangeable. On the bus "Ikarus 256" put the wheels of the 280th radius, and tires - 20 inches.
The power unit was installed in the rear of the body and was more powerful than similar versions. In the process of modernization, the volume of the luggage compartment was increased, in which fairly large items can be placed.
Exterior
By default, the bus was painted red with a white stripe on the sides.
Almost all modifications are very similar and equipped with the same body kit parts. These are voluminous metal bumpers with built-in fog lights, a narrow
radiator grille with four round headlights. The Ikarus 256 has a panoramic windshield with a central dividing wall. The bus has two doors located in the front and rear of the body. The rear opens manually, and the front is equipped with a pneumatic actuator.
Interior
Compared to other bus models, Ikarus 256 is distinguished by its comfort and practicality. Ten rows of passenger seats and a five-seater rear seat are installed on the so-called podium, which provides excellent visibility and added convenience. Armchairs of a soft type, with folding backs and armrests, with a high back. As a rule, seat upholstery is made from durable types of fabrics and leather substitutes, and for practicality you can put covers on chairs. Overcoming long distances, the passenger does not get tired, and also has the ability to change the position of his body. It is also possible to move the chair along special rails, while changing the distance between passengers. The issue of increasing usable space and improving convenience was resolved by reducing the number of seats to forty-three pieces.
The feet of the passengers were also given attention - under the seats, foot stands with an adjustment function are mounted.
As in other modifications of the bus, in the 256th above the seats there is a compartment for small hand luggage, which allows you to free the comfort zone from various things needed on long trips.
Curtains made of high-quality material are installed on the windows of the bus, which protect themselves from direct sunlight, since earlier the windows in this type of transport did not have tinting.
Interior ventilation can be carried out both through hatches in the ceiling, and forcibly. Above each pair of seats there are elements of individual ventilation and additional lighting for the passenger area.
Many long-distance buses are equipped with a TV, and the 256 model is no exception. This allows passengers to while away during long journeys. Take a look at the interior of the Ikarus 256. The photo below indicates that the bus is quite comfortable and convenient for long trips.
From the first try, you cannot say that the vehicle was designed and developed in the last century, and at the moment this bus can compete with more modern analogues.
Driver area
The driver's seat is made in the form of an open cab. All the equipment of the driver’s seat has remained virtually unchanged, with the exception of minor additions and materials used. All controls and information devices are located quite conveniently. Everything has been done so that the driver feels no less comfortable than the people in the cabin, does not overwork and can drive the vehicle for quite some time. A separate door for the driver is not provided for by the body structure, so some of the equipment is located on the left side of the driver.
Engine: Ikarus 256
This bus is equipped with a D10 UTSLL - 155, P6 TD "Rab" diesel engine (a bridge of the same company). The engine has six cylinders and develops a power of two hundred and ten horsepower. Boxer engine. The volume of the power plant is 10350 cm 3 , and the maximum torque is 883 Nm.
The highest speed that a bus with this unit can develop is one hundred and twenty kilometers. And with a fuel maximum of 300 liters of diesel, a car can cover a distance of up to one thousand kilometers. At the same time, the fuel consumption of Ikarus 256 in the conditions of the highway is 33 liters per 100 kilometers in suburban mode.
Transmission and chassis
Paired with a two-horsepower engine, a six-speed manual gearbox ZF-S6-90U works, providing good dynamic performance. The rear axle suspension is a dependent type, mounted on four airbags with two longitudinal jet rods and two A-type rods. Installed four shock absorbers. The front axle suspension is a dependent type, mounted on two airbags with two longitudinal jet rods and two shock absorbers.
Such a running system is equipped with all modifications of Ikarus 256 buses. The suspension scheme of this type provides a smooth and soft ride of the bus, stably keeps it from strong roll and rocking the body when overcoming sharp turns and sections of the slope. One gets the feeling that you are traveling aboard some cruise ship that waves are pumping. Even after 40 years of operation, the suspension of this vehicle remains as smooth and reliable. Build quality here at the highest level. As they say, they used to make cars "for centuries."
Carrying capacity
The total curb weight of the bus is 10,400 kilograms, gross weight is sixteen tons. Moreover, the permissible load on the front axle is 6500 kg, and on the rear - 11000 kg. Number of seats - 43 plus an additional chair for the driver’s partner. The useful volume of the luggage compartment is 3.8 cubic meters.
Electrical equipment of the Ikarus 256 bus
Technical characteristics of electrical equipment and equipment have the following indicators.
The operating voltage of the on-board network is twenty-four volts. The machine is equipped with 2 rechargeable batteries with a capacity of 182 ampere-hours. The power is turned on by connecting the mass on the button near the front bumper. An AVF VG901 generator is installed on the engine, which generates 75 amps and 28 volts of voltage. The engine is started by the starter AVF IV522. Its power is 5.4 kW.
The fuse box is located in the driver's cab.
Review Summary
In general, the bus of a Hungarian company has good characteristics and high reliability.
Despite the emergence of new developments in this
class of buses, the old Ikarus remains on the line of competitiveness and is still widely used. Here is another fact that speaks of the popularity of the Ikarus 256 model. Omsi is a simulation game in which everyone can try himself as a driver of a tourist, sightseeing or regular bus. This project also used an exact copy of the brainchild of the Hungarian producers in question.
So, we found out what the bus "Ikarus 256" specifications, interior and exterior.