Family history
So, if the choice is made, then you have purchased a two-time winner of the National Automobile Salon - the Volvo FN 12 truck tractor. It is the only one to receive the honorary title of "International Truck of the Year" . Powerful, durable, with a capacity of up to sixty tons, this truck tractor is used as part of a road train.
The FH12 family has been manufactured by Volvo for long-haul transportation for several decades. Over the entire period of production, more than three hundred thousand units of cars were produced.
which began in 1993, took over the baton of the F-Cabover series. The construction of this model took many long years, using the latest developments in science and technology of that time.
Volvo FH12 1993
The first “swallows” of this line were two main modifications :
- twelve-liter diesel D12A , which has a direct injection system;
- similar, but already sixteen-liter version D16A .
As for the design and comfort of the cabins, here too the Swedes rose to the occasion, offering the consumer a modern streamlined trend and a completely different degree of comfort inside.
Interesting to know! For convenience, the factory index of Volvo FH12 truck tractors contains encrypted information about the draft power of models of this family - FH 12/340, FH 12/380 and FH 12/420, which corresponds to engine power of 340, 380 and 420 hp. With.
In 1998, the design of the Volvo FH 12 line was updated, which affected mostly the power units, rather than the appearance. Characteristic of that time was the appearance of a powerful 420-horsepower D12C engine and the development of the subframe. Here they also began adding antennas for truckers' radios.
Volvo FH12 1998
As the engines became stronger, it became necessary to modernize the transmission, which resulted in an increase in torque to 2500 Nm. At the same time, the effort required to change gears has been halved. An LCD display appeared in the driver’s cabin, which displayed all possible information about the condition of the car at that time.
The second round of updating the technical characteristics of the Volvo-FN 12 truck tractor occurred in 2003 , which greatly changed both the appearance of the car and upgraded the interior. The length and aerodynamics of the cabin have become obviously better, a more futuristic look of the headlights and mirror fairings completed the image of a modern car. There are almost no sharp corners left.
Volvo FH12 2003 release
Not only the power of the power units increased, but also a deep nod was made towards environmental protection: D12D installations and semi-automatic I-shift systems caused much less damage to the environment, analyzing the weight and speed of the machine, the slope of the road surface, exerting a management influence on the engine and gearbox Thanks to this, it was possible to save about 5% of diesel fuel.
Model history and purpose
In 1993, car maker Volvo began production of the FH family of heavy-duty vehicles, which was cutting-edge at the time. It replaced the F Cabover series in the lineup, which had been in production for almost 15 years. The development of the new product was carried out almost from scratch, and its duration (from the first drawings to launch into series) was 7 years.
Initially, the family included only 2 modifications. The first version had 12-liter D12A units with a direct injection system, the second had 16-liter D16A engines. The remaining elements of the models turned out to be almost the same. The cabin of the Volvo FSH 12, unlike its predecessor, had a more streamlined shape, an increased level of comfort and safety. The series quickly found a buyer and occupied its niche in the market.
In 1998, the Swedish brand decided to restyling the model. Externally, the car has remained virtually unchanged. Only the aggregate component has undergone significant transformations. The D12C engine with a power of 460 hp appeared in the line of engines. The subframe design has also been improved. Due to the emergence of a powerful engine, the transmission had to be modernized. The new gearbox made it possible to increase torque to 2500 Nm, reducing the effort when switching gears by half. The manufacturer also changed the electronic control system, and all the data needed by the driver was now displayed on an LCD screen located in the cockpit.
In the early 2000s, Volvo introduced the second generation FH 12. Global changes occurred in the design of the cabin, which was transformed beyond recognition, receiving a more streamlined shape. Its length has increased by 150 mm, new mirrors and headlights have appeared, and the interior has become more comfortable. The corners of the panels received rounded contours. The assembly part has also changed. The family received more powerful and economical D12D power plants and a semi-automatic with the I-shift system. Later, the engine line included engines with 550, 610 and 660 hp. In 2005, the list of units for the Volvo FSH 12 was supplemented with 13-liter D13A engines with a power of 360-520 hp. The installations complied with Euro-3 requirements.
In 2008, the debut of a restyled version of the car took place. The Swedish brand paid primary attention to increasing comfort and safety. The updated versions of the Volvo FH 12 II added a rain sensor, adjustable seats, a lane crossing system, a light level sensor and a blind spot radar. The external design has changed slightly. There is a new radiator grille and headlights. In 2011, production of flagship models with a 750-horsepower unit began.
Since 2012, the Volvo brand has introduced the third generation of FH 12 trucks, which for the first time received an independent front suspension articulated with a rack and pinion steering system. The model was radically different from its predecessor, having received many new elements. The cabin elements were pressed using a unique technology, which gave impeccable quality. The car was offered with a Powertronic automatic or I-Shift semi-automatic. The cabin was built on a single frame with a large radiator grille, an emergency hatch and daytime lights. It was available in three versions:
- standard with sleeping places for one person;
- Globetrotter with high altitude and sleeping bags for two people;
- Globetrotter XL with increased height and sleeps two people. The most top-end and comfortable option.
Modifications of the third Volvo FSh 12 also differed in chassis height (ultra-low, low, medium, high) and power plants (9 units with power from 420 to 750 hp).
The main features of the Swedish truck (reliability, increased safety and high quality) have been preserved.
The Volvo FH 12 model had a narrow specialization and was designed exclusively for transporting large volumes of cargo over various distances. At the same time, the car was additionally adapted to work in difficult conditions, so Russian realities were not scary for it.
Specifications
2008 was the year of modernization of the electrical components in the field of convenience and safety for the Volvo FH12.
Volvo FH12 has:
- Rain sensor;
- fully adjustable seats;
- lane crossing system;
- lighting intensity device;
- blind spot locator;
- navigator for truckers.
The appearance of the car has changed: the radiator grille and vertical headlights gave the truck a special futuristic style . And all this culminated in the installation of a 750-horsepower diesel engine.
Volvo FH12 on the road
By the way! The Swedes are punctual and update the Volvo FH12 model range every five years. So, on the eve of 2013, they presented the next line of a new generation of these saddlers. The updated FH12 had both semi-automatic I-shift and Powertronic automatic transmission. The IFS independent front suspension, which doubles the truck's stability, was connected to the steering rack while driving.
Dimensions and load capacity
The main parameters of the tractor are presented in the following figures:
- length – 5.887 m;
- width – 2.495 m;
- height – 3.906 m;
- wheelbase - 3.7 m;
- rear wheel track - 1.837 m;
- front – 2.028 m.
Weight of the basic version of Volvo FH12:
- with a 4X2 wheel arrangement - 8.5 tons, permissible weight - 18.2 tons, as part of a road train - 22 tons;
- with the 8X2 wheel arrangement - 21 tons, total weight - 34 tons, curb weight depends on the modification - from 7.5 to 13 tons.
You can view the video review of the FH12 truck tractor here:
Dynamic indicators
The Volvo-FN 12 tractor is characterized by the following parameters :
- maximum electronically limited speed – 90 km/h;
- fuel consumption on the highway - 36 l/100 km;
- in city mode – 42 l/100 km;
- fuel tanks are D-shaped - the main capacity is 690 l, the auxiliary tank is 490 l;
- all brakes are disc.
The original Bodybuilder electrical unit controls the connection of the ABS and ESP systems.
Modern Volvo FH
In the fall of 2012, the new, third generation FH trucks began rolling off the assembly lines of the Swedish auto giant. These were the first heavy-duty trucks with independent front suspension coupled with a rack-and-pinion steering system.
According to Hans Elmqvist, project manager for the introduction of the new generation Volvo FH truck into production, the new truck developed by the company is a completely new vehicle, with a body, none of the elements of which were used in previous models.
The production of a truck filled with high-tech systems and components required the introduction of cutting-edge, high-performance equipment. An example of such solutions in production is a line of stamping presses for the production of all cabin elements. Cabin elements are pressed using a unique technology in five stages. Particular attention is paid to pressing elements with complex geometries. Their pressing in several stages allows us to achieve impeccable quality of articulation of elements during assembly.
Another important innovation in the technological chain of production of the new generation Volvo FH was the introduction of a robotic line consisting of 56 automatic robots, which can significantly improve the quality and efficiency of production. New production technologies, in addition to ensuring high quality, also improve the safety of manufactured vehicles.
At the customer's request, each of the numerous modifications of trucks can be equipped with either a semi-automatic transmission of the I-Shift system or a Powertronic automatic transmission. Also, at the customer's choice, the vehicle can be supplied with either a single-stage gearbox or a wheel gearbox.
The cabin, built on a single frame, equipped with a new radiator grille, optics with daytime running lights and an emergency hatch, is offered in three modifications:
- cabin with a berth designed for one person;
- Globetrotter model cabin, characterized by its high height and sleeping places designed for two people;
- The cab of the Globetrotter XL model is the most comfortable high-altitude version with sleeping places designed for two people.
Modifications of the third generation Volvo FH also differ in chassis height, available in four standard sizes.
- truck tractor with ultra-low chassis -810mm;
- low chassis – 850 mm;
- middle chassis – 900 mm;
- high chassis – 1000 mm.
The line of power units installed on the truck is represented by nine modifications with power from 420 to 750 hp. Including the new D13K460 engine, which meets the Euro-6 standard.
More comfort for the driver
Compared to previous models, the internal volume of the cabin has increased by one thousand liters. A third of the increased space went to expanding the luggage compartment. The cabin features a new ergonomic, curved instrument panel that provides easy access to displayed information and controls. Convenience for the driver is provided by an angle- and height-adjustable steering wheel and a seat with an adjustment range of 24 cm back and forth.
The new I ParkCool air conditioning system ensures a comfortable rest and allows efficient fuel consumption when driving the car.
The comfort level of the sleeping place has also increased significantly. The width of the lower bunk has increased by 40 mm, and the adjustable head of the bunk allows for an optimal position when reading and watching TV.
The berth is equipped with a control panel that provides access to control the interior lighting, air conditioning system, alarm clock, autonomous heating system, media system, locks and sunroof. You can control all these systems without leaving the shelf.
Wide sleeping shelf for rest and sleep - the width of the lower shelf has increased by 40 mm at the head and by 55 mm in the middle part. The head of the shelf can be raised to an angle of up to 55° - an ideal position for relaxing, reading or watching TV.
New I-Shift gearbox
Oddly enough, the casing of the I-Shift gearbox, considered an example of ultra-modern gearboxes, hides, at first glance, an ordinary non-synchronized manual gearbox. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that this is not a simple mechanic.
The secret of I-Shift lies in the fly-by-wire control unit, which regulates the operation of the pneumatic system and controls the clutch and gear system. The control unit continuously receives information about all vehicle movement parameters, analyzing which the electronic unit performs gear changes. The unit works in conjunction with the engine, which, receiving the appropriate information, regulates the speed and activates the engine brake effect to achieve the optimal gear shift mode.
The intelligent I-Shift software ensures automatic gear selection. If necessary, the driver can intervene in the gear selection process using the shift button located on the selector.
When driving in Eco mode, I-Shift shifts gears with great precision, ensuring the engine operates in the most efficient range possible. And another useful feature is I-Roll. The system automatically turns off the engine when the vehicle is moving downhill, using the vehicle's inertia. The presence of I-Roll allows you to reduce fuel consumption by 2%.
The price of the new Volvo FH starts from 4,000,000 rubles. By the way, the first truck from the 2013 series was sold at an Ebay auction for €150,000 (RUB 6,550,000) and the company donated all the money received to charity.
Design Features
The basic version of the Volvo FH12 truck tractor can be equipped with any serial body modification determined by consumer requests.
Engines
Volvo FH12 engine
The galaxy of engines was replenished with units of 550, 610 and 660 “horses”. The Euro-3 standard became available in the power range of 13-liter D13-A engines from 360 to 520 hp, which was important for the requirements of that time.
Important! All diesel engines are in-line six-cylinder with turbocharging. This circumstance is also a disadvantage due to excessive pickiness in choosing diesel fuel.
Transmission
The truck's transmission is a 14-speed manual . I-shift with an electric unit and a five-speed joystick is optional. The control system controls the pneumatics that drive the clutch and transmission.
By the way! Transmission control involves several driving modes. Quite useful is the i-Roll option, which turns off the engine when the tractor rolls downhill. The reverse switching occurs automatically when the road surface is leveled.
Chassis
After the above-mentioned upgrade, the Volvo FH12 began to be offered in different “height” categories:
- high;
- average;
- low;
- ultra-low.
Engine power could be chosen from nine options: from 420 to 750 hp. With.
Volvo FH12 460 chassis truck
Of course, all these updates did not in any way affect the impeccable quality of the brainchild of the Swedish automobile industry; Volvo remained true to its luxurious Nordic appearance, retaining all the distinctive features of a high-quality truck tractor for highway use.
Cabin
The single-frame cab of the FH12 main tractor has a distinctive feature - a wide radiator grille . The roof is equipped with a hatch that provides daylight inside the cabin.
The comfort of the cabin is also due to its dimensions - about 4 cubic meters. Approximately 1/3 of the space is occupied by the luggage compartment . The ergonomic curved instrument panel in front of the driver (also called the “dashboard”) not only pleases the eye, as can be seen even in the photo, but is also the carrier of all the information provided through advanced software.
Driver's seat in 2007 model
The seats and steering column are stuffed with all sorts of settings. The climate in the tractor interior can be easily controlled from any location at a distance, even from a lying position. Comfortable sleeping accommodations will allow you to fully relax after a stressful flight. Also in the cabin there are a lot of all kinds of niches, consoles, places for storing necessary items.
Engine
The Volvo FSh 12 family has a wide range of power plants. The most popular is the D12A unit with an intercooler and turbo compound, which allows you to significantly increase engine power (up to 500 hp). The diesel engine complies with Euro-3 requirements. The working volume of the unit is 12 liters, rated power is 460 hp.
Also popular is the D13A in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine with an intercooler and turbocharger. It is offered in 4 power options. The maximum torque here varies from 1850 Nm to 2400 Nm.
All engines installed on the Volvo FH 12 are characterized by increased efficiency and performance and the highest service life. At the same time, they are quite sensitive to fuel quality.
Advantages and disadvantages
We can say that its main disadvantage is its rather high price . One way or another, we must admit that the Volvo FH12 is worth the money. All components and assemblies of the tractor, as a rule, function properly throughout the entire service life and last a long time. Everyone who has driven this Swede unanimously declares that driving it is simply a pleasure.
But they also unanimously note its immunity to low-quality diesel fuel . The very high price of spare parts, as well as the car itself, is depressing at first glance. It is the love of good diesel fuel that leads FN12 to malfunctions with the low-pressure fuel pump after 500 thousand mileage, as well as failure of pump injectors, the nozzle of which cannot be changed separately.
Where can I buy
The Internet is replete with advertisements for the sale of the FH12 long-haul tractor. The cost of a tractor can be completely different and depend on the year of manufacture, model and condition of the truck.
If you really want to buy a new one, you will have to pay about 10 million rubles to the official dealer. “Oldies” from the 90s will cost from 500 thousand to about 900 . The 2008 tractors are quite popular - they will “lighten” your wallet from 1,300,000 to 1,800,000 rubles. More “fresh” ones (2016–2017) will cost 5–8 million. Of course, it is better to buy from dealers or on trusted online sites.
The advantages of Volvo truck tractors are reliability, quality and durability - the three main characteristics of cars in this family. Yes, the price is not budget, but the car is certainly worth the money.
