Missing Link: JAC N120
Judging by the exterior design, this is not so much Chinese as Japanese style.
The debut of the 12-ton N120 model coincided with the launch of JAC Motors trucks with Euro-5 engines on the Russian market.
By the time the JAC N120 was released, only light-tonnage rear-wheel drive trucks N56 and N75 with a gross weight of 5600 and 7490 kg, respectively, were available to Russian carriers. Sales of heavy machines of the HFC series (Gallop C1721/C1725) weighing 17,000 kg have been suspended: due to the crisis, the distributor for large-tonnage equipment has closed. And this despite the fact that not much time passed after successful certification and receipt of Chassis Type Approval and OTTS for this model - permits for the Russian Federation were issued in February 2014. Heavy series trucks were imported in the form of two-axle truck tractors and a chassis with an onboard platform (4x2), as well as three-axle tractors and a complete dump truck (6x4). There are no all-wheel drive modifications in the JAC production line yet and will not appear in the near future.
Passport details
The Chinese debutant JAC N120 has very good overall chassis dimensions: length 8300 mm, width 2345 mm, height 2450 mm. The small front overhang of 1180 mm provides a decent approach angle: 24º. The rear overhang of 2535 mm and the spare wheel suspended under the frame create a departure angle of 13º, and the same is the cornering angle within the base. The minimum ground clearance of 218 mm allows you to safely drive over speed bumps and easily take any entrances, exits and junctions, including dirt roads. If necessary, you can drive onto the curb, as long as it is standard and not too high. The characteristics of the JAC N120 also indicate the maximum climbability - 30%.
The installation length of the frame reaches 6200 mm, which expands the range of body superstructures used.
The JAC N120 is shod with road tires measuring 255/70 R22.5.
The front wheel track with 255/70 R22.5 tires is 1660 mm, the rear wheel track is 1800 mm, which is comparable to competitors in the same class. The distance between the axles of 4700 mm does not make the N120 a champion of maneuverability (turning radius 10.5 m), but it improves the car's behavior on the move. The maximum speed according to your passport is 110 km/h, and this is enough even for reckless drivers: now there are video cameras everywhere, and driving with violations is more expensive. A fuel tank with a volume of 210 liters is sufficient with an average fuel consumption of 14-15 liters of diesel fuel per 100 km. But what is impressive is the installation length of the frame. The maximum possible distance from the back of the cab to the rear edge of the frame of 6200 mm allows the use of a wide range of spacious bodies, i.e. make transportation more cost-effective.
The Chinese-made gearbox is mechanical, with six forward gears and one reverse gear.
The convex “back of the head” is made in order to increase the usable volume of the cabin.
The 210 liter aluminum fuel tank is 10 liters larger than its closest competitors, the Hyundai HD120 and Isuzu Forward.
The presence of imported components in the design of a Chinese truck increases its operational potential. We are talking about a licensed Cummins engine, a Wabco pneumatic dual-circuit brake system with four-channel ABS, and a Bosch electronic control system. The Cummins ISF3.855168 Euro-5 diesel engine installed under the cab with a Common Rail+SCR injection system has a displacement of 3.76 liters. Its potential (166 hp / 2600 rpm; 592 Nm / 1300-1700 rpm) may not be the best in the class, but certainly not the worst. Gearbox made in China, model WLY6G70, manual 6-speed. The range of gear ratios is from 6.012 in first gear to 0.789 in sixth and 5.395 in reverse gear.
The layout of the 4-cylinder in-line engine is longitudinal.
The mechanism for opening the lock and lifting the cabin is mechanical, i.e. requiring the use of muscular strength.
The cabin, raised to a relatively small angle, provides reasonable freedom of access to the engine.
The NAMM drive axle with a gear ratio i=4.875 is optimal for urban and short-haul transportation. The on-board electrics are powered by 24 V, and the energy sources are two 120 Ah batteries. The vehicle's curb weight of 4290 kg leaves the carrier with the opportunity to deliver large quantities of goods: the chassis load capacity reaches 7690 kg. And most importantly: the total weight of the JAC N120 does not exceed 11,980 kg, which means that there are no restrictions for driving on the Moscow Ring Road and no tolls are charged on federal highways! Weight distribution is set in the proportion of up to 3500 kg on the front axle and up to 9000 kg on the rear axle, which is a good indicator for a truck of this class.
The classic cardan transmission in design and location is the same as on the models of the “younger” N56 and N75 series.
The driving rear axle is suspended on multi-leaf parabolic springs, assembled in two packages on each side.
Affiliate Bodybuilders
The Chinese chassis, structurally duplicating the Japanese Isuzu Elf trucks (models JAC N56 and N75), has long been liked by Russian bodybuilders. They will not ignore the new JAC N120, which, in fact, is a copy of the Isuzu Forward. A whole range of body add-ons can be installed on a universal chassis with a durable frame; fortunately, the installation length can exceed 6 m! The most common ones in orders are an open side platform (including with a CMU behind the cabin), a board + awning and a manufactured goods van. But the range of specialization is not limited to this. Russian bodybuilders offer installation of a tow truck superstructure, a dump platform, an isothermal van with and without a refrigeration unit. It is possible to design a fuel tanker, tanker, or aerial platform. In fact, any whim!
The 865 mm wide frame has many technological holes that allow you to mount various bodies without additional drilling.
The main partners of the truck chassis supplier are enterprises of the industrial cluster of Nizhny Novgorod. For example, Automechanical Plant LLC manufactures and installs frame manufactured goods vans at JAC. Mashinostroitelny supplies onboard platforms with cranes and aerial platforms. RusTrak LLC produces flatbeds and vans. JSC Istok from Krasnogorsk near Moscow produces manufactured goods bodies, onboard platforms and isotherms. There are other partners who are satisfied with the frame width of 865 mm, the flat surface and the presence of ready-made technological holes.
Adaptation for humid climates
The presentation of the JAC N120 began with the phrase: “The car is designed for humid climates and operation in low temperatures.” And then the argument followed. For example, the plant provided additional insulation and soundproofing of the cabin, which had a positive effect on driving comfort. The package includes a high-performance interior heater and electrically heated rear-view mirrors. The design uses frost-resistant seals, gaskets, hoses and windings. Plastic is also not afraid of serious “minus” and does not crack in the cold. The engine's thermal insulation shield promotes slow cooling during stops and guarantees quick warm-up and maintenance of operating temperature in winter cold.
The Chinese are proud to use modern piping made from durable, colored nylon.
Adaptation to operating conditions in Russia involves the use of a heated fuel filter with a separator. The enclosed battery box prevents direct exposure to dirt, moisture, oil, sand and debris. This extends the battery life and technical readiness ratio: the car starts without problems after a long period of parking with the engine turned off. To make the engine easier to start, oil heating is provided - a heating element is installed in the crankcase, although it is powered not from the on-board electrical circuit of the truck, but from a 220 V network. A similar heater is also used in the fuel system. The engine and gearbox housings are closed not only from impacts when driving over uneven surfaces, but also to protect against the adhesion of dirt. There is a mosquito net and a heat-insulating screen for the radiator of the cooling system.
The layout solution, taken from the Japanese, is an open-access expansion tank behind the cabin.
The radiator is installed quite high above the road and, by and large, does not need additional protection.
Taking into account the “northern” conditions, the fuel filter is heated.
Factory equipment is not a “dummy”
The JAC N120 truck does not have a rich, but fairly balanced factory design. Not everyone needs “frills,” so a commercial vehicle from China doesn’t offer much in the way of auxiliary equipment. At the same time, one cannot say that it is empty. Judge for yourself. The steering column is adjustable for tilt and reach, and standard cruise control is used to assist the driver. The on-board computer with LCD display is Russified. The basic equipment of the cabin includes a radio with MP3, antenna and speakers, although this is usually limited to audio preparation. Compact storage shelves and sun visors are installed above the head of the driver and the outer passenger. For those with bad habits, there are ashtrays in the doors and a cigarette lighter. Comfort is ensured by a high-performance cabin heater. The base even includes wiring for the tachograph and an electrical connector for connecting it.
A rear stabilizer bar is included as standard equipment.
The small-looking cabin has three seats: a driver and two passengers.
The dashboard and steering wheel are made in a “compact” style, with a hint of ease of control.
The central part of the dashboard with a standard radio and sockets for installing a tachograph and navigator.
Lever of a manual 6-speed gearbox with a hint of the shift algorithm.
On the outside, heated rear-view mirrors, a tool box, and anti-slip running boards are available at no additional cost. The initial equipment included a heated fuel filter and separator, a full-size spare tire and a set of tools. You don't have to buy a tow hook either - it comes included. Elements of passive and active safety are not forgotten. Standard features include a height-adjustable driver's seat belt, ABS, an anti-roll bar behind the rear axle, an energy-absorbing front bumper, and daytime running lights. From the factory there is a mountain brake, a buzzer for reverse gear, and electric headlight adjustment.
Available options
If the list of basic devices seems small, you can use the list of options and add, say, an air conditioner. In a hot climate, this is not a luxury at all, just look at the hot summer of 2016 with a series of warnings from the Ministry of Emergency Situations about the orange danger level. For an additional fee, mechanical windows can be replaced with electric ones and central locking can be installed.
The ergonomics of the workplace include handrail brackets on the doors and front pillars of the cab.
There are many windows around the perimeter of the cabin, which improves the lighting of the interior space. True, in winter you will have to heat the interior more diligently.
There is a small hard shelf behind the driver's seat.
Options include a digital tachograph and a roof spoiler for installation on the roof. On request, the equipment can be expanded by installing a power take-off box and a Webasto pre-heater. Although the latter increases the cost of the truck, it makes it possible to revive the engine after overnight stops at ambient temperatures down to -50 ºС.
Black and white through the eyes of carriers
The advantages of JAC trucks in financial terms include the low purchase cost (2.1 million rubles per vehicle in the maximum configuration). The advantages are the availability of spare parts, fuel efficiency (14-15 liters per 100 km) and low maintenance costs. In technical terms, one can note the simplicity of the design and high maintainability of the units. Specific power is 44 hp. per liter of engine displacement, and the torque already at the start reaches 320 Nm at 800 rpm. In terms of practicality, the car is good with moderate dimensions, a comfortable cabin, good visibility and well-adjusted ergonomics. The manufacturer's warranty is also acceptable: 3 years or 150 thousand km. JAC maintenance (the maintenance interval is set at 20 thousand km) is performed by about 10 technical centers in Moscow and another 15 in other regions of the Russian Federation.
The new “businessman” from the Middle Kingdom received LED daytime running lights.
The neck of the windshield washer reservoir is located on the right side. It is accessible when the passenger door is opened.
The parking brake valve is the same as on heavy-duty trucks.
At the same time, owners of Chinese cars note poor cabin noise insulation (this does not seem to apply to the JAC N120), unreliable electrics and related failures. Stone in the garden is the quality of manufacture of individual components, which do not always meet the prescribed shelf life. There is such an aspect as the vulnerability of metal parts to the pressure of rust, especially if the car is driven on roads on which a sand-salt mixture is poured and solutions of industrial chemicals are poured. There are also complaints about the quality of Chinese tires - they wear out quickly and do not forgive overload. On cars of the “junior” series, after a mileage of 100 thousand km, when driving at high speeds, an increased consumption of engine oil is observed. It’s hard to say what it will be like on the 120th Enka. Finally, many parts that are identical to those used on twin Isuzu vehicles are not interchangeable. Simply put, it will not be possible to improve quality by installing Japanese-made components.
Prospects 2017
Sales of JAC N120 started with a unified version. You can try it out with a free 7-day rental. In 2022, the Russian representative office of JAC Motors plans to certify two more versions: with a short and long wheelbase. In the future, a 4x4 version will appear - work on it is currently underway in China. In the homeland of the new product there is a gas version, but it is not certified for the Russian Federation, which means it will not be supplied in the near future.
The “Dragon” design concept, according to the creators of the N-series, should evoke associations with courage, strength and confidence.
There are also plans to introduce a one-ton mini-truck of the Hyundai Porter class with a Euro-5 engine to the Russian market. The 2022 plan provides for the expansion of the product line in Russia through the supply of a 17-ton flatbed truck model and a chassis with a curb weight of 5300 kg. An S/D pickup truck with mono- and all-wheel drive (4x2 and 4x4) will also become a reality. As a result, the 2022 product line will include six different basic models for the Russian Federation, including the already supplied N56, N75 and N120.
Like the Japanese twin Isuzu Forward, there is nothing superfluous in the exterior of the JAC N120.
At the presentation of JAC N120, it was announced that a contract had been signed with suppliers to introduce a fixed rate at the rate of 1 USD = 35 rubles. This means that the goal of keeping the ruble price at the level of the beginning of 2016 will be achieved, regardless of fluctuations in exchange rates. As you know, the Chinese yuan is pegged to the US dollar, and in Russia the “weight” of the American currency changes daily, and sometimes hourly. As a result, in the minimum configuration, taking into account the recycling fee, the JAC N120 is estimated at 2.040 million rubles, and in the maximum configuration - at 2.1 million rubles, which is less than most business-class passenger cars. In general, this is a good vehicle for making money, albeit with a low price on the secondary market. This is perhaps the only significant disadvantage, but there are many more advantages.
IN PASSING
While the material was being prepared, news came from JAC Motors. In accordance with the wishes of customers, from the second half of 2022, the JAC N-80 with a gross weight of 7950 kg will be presented in Russia with three wheelbases: short (3365 mm), medium (3845 mm) and long (4475 mm). The mounting lengths of the frames will change accordingly. The short-wheelbase version will be offered with a single-row cab, while the long version will be equipped with a sleeper cab.
The frame design has undergone changes. Now its width will be 850 mm along its entire length. Previously, a 750 mm frame was used with an extension to 850 mm in the engine area. In the JAC N-80 chassis, a reinforced rear axle with a load capacity of 6400 kg and a front axle beam (3100 kg) will be used. The final drive ratio will be increased from 4.1 to 4.33. The track of the front and rear wheels will become wider by 45 and 125 mm, respectively, and a stabilizer bar has appeared on the front axle. In addition, the fuel tank volume will be increased to 200 liters.
The new modifications have already received the appropriate OTTS and OTSH certificates. Starting from August 2022, the updated JAC N-80 and N120 are available for order from official JAC dealers.
