American Volvo truck tractor: VNL series 780 and 670

The Volvo VNL 670 truck tractor is used to transport goods over long distances at high speeds. When developing the technology, American and European design experience was used. Nowadays a car is considered a house on wheels.

The main purpose of the truck is towing trains weighing up to 40 tons at a speed of about 100 km/h. Now the car is very popular and modern. Based on reviews and tests, it was concluded that the Volvo VNL 670 truck tractor is the safest and most ergonomic model.

The main advantages of the truck include comfort, reliability, safety, efficiency and durability. VNL series vehicles are in high demand in the transportation industry. They have become popular even in Canada.

Return to content

Features and Benefits

A bonnet car has many strengths:

• mountain brake;
• autonomous reduction of semi-trailer speed;
• anti-lock braking system;
• self-locking differential;
• heated and electric mirrors;
• Ease of Management;
• maneuverability of the Volvo VNL 670 truck tractor;
• hydraulic power steering;
• steering column with adjustable position.

The SSU is capable of transporting cargo weighing up to 18 tons, which guarantees reliability and endurance. Fuel tanks are located under the lining on different sides. The volume of each of them is 570 liters. Safety is ensured by the spacious engine compartment and airbags in the cabin.

Return to content

Equipment

Finally, it’s worth saying a few words about the equipment of this car. It is largely thanks to the wide list of equipment that the Volvo VNL 780 truck has become so popular. Tuning the model, of course, helped it become more attractive, unlike its predecessors, but still the presence of certain options is more important.

The truck boasts an ABS system, power steering, electric drive, heated mirrors and an effective parking brake that reliably blocks the wheels even on very steep slopes. And the device that connects the semi-trailer to the tractor itself can withstand 23,000 kilograms of load.

By the way, it was said above that the car requires 38 liters of fuel for every 100 km. This truck has two gas tanks, and each of them can hold 570 liters of fuel. This will be enough for a long journey.

As for the cost? A tractor like this won't come cheap. It will cost about 3.5-4 million rubles. However, looking at all its advantages, you can understand that this price is justified.

Technical characteristics and dimensions

Technical characteristics of the Volvo VNL 670 are:

The dimensions of the machine are 12.6x2.4x2.6 m.

Return to content

Engine

The technical equipment of the machine allows it to be operated in difficult conditions. The engine can be installed in three versions. The most popular unit is the Cummins ISX15 (V=15 l). He performed well in previous versions of the series. An EGR system that processes gases is provided as standard. Its power is 550 hp.

The Volvo VNL 670 engine can be represented by units produced by the same company:

• VE D12 – Euro-4, V=12.1 l, N=440 hp;
• VE D13 – Euro-5, V=12.8 l, N=480 hp, torque 2050 Nm;
• VE D16 – Euro-5, V=15.8 l, N=600 hp.

All engines are characterized by high power performance and fuel efficiency, reliability and ease of operation and maintenance. Swedish experts are trying to reduce the amount of harmful substances in the exhaust to a minimum, so they are looking for alternative fuels and improving filters and systems.

Return to content

Device

The basic package of the Volvo VNL 670 includes:

• electric window drive;
• power steering wheel;
• fog lights front and rear;
• heated rear view mirrors;
• security systems, including ASR and ABS;
• air brakes

The steering wheel has a safety structure. In the event of an accident, it sinks into the front console and does not harm the driver. It has an airbag.

Return to content

Drivers value Volvo cars for their unrivaled quality and reliability

All truck manufacturers try to provide maximum comfort for their potential consumers. Volvo, which has long been one of the recognized leaders in this field, is no exception. Therefore, the following functions are standard for VNL 780 tractors:

• Power steering with adjustable tilt, providing ease and maneuverability when driving heavy equipment; • Center wheel locking and ABC system, indispensable in icy conditions and other difficult road conditions; • Electric drive and heated rear view mirrors; • Exhaust brake and the possibility of separate semi-trailer braking; • Electric window lifter.

The fifth wheel coupling has a sliding design, providing the most reliable connection with the towed semi-trailer. Located at a height of about 1.15 m, it can withstand a load of up to 23 tons. On both sides of the frame there are two hidden fuel tanks with a capacity of 570 liters each.

Volvo is famous for its strict approach to issues of active and passive safety, so even with the impressive size of the engine compartment, which protects the driver from any collision, airbags are additionally provided.

In terms of its main technical characteristics, the Volvo VNL 780, even produced in 2013, is not much different from its predecessor, the 770 model. The main difference lies in the internal equipment of the cabin, or rather even its sleeping compartment. With a ceiling height of 2.5 m, its area is 5 square meters. The relaxation area is equipped with two beds, the lower of which can easily be transformed into a dining table with two armchairs surrounding it. The length of both sleeping bags has increased to two meters, and the width has increased to 107 cm. For complete rest for drivers, the roof and walls of the sleeping compartment are finished with special noise-absorbing materials. Shelves, drawers, and small cabinets are provided to accommodate various things. The equipment includes a refrigerator, a microwave oven, two air conditioners, and a connection for a computer and TV.

The basic equipment of the Volvo VNL 780, the price of which is not much higher than the cost of such American "classmates" as International or Freightliner, includes pneumatic adjustment of the driver's seat, a cruise control system, autonomous and additional cabin heating, an electric engine heater, and a built-in music center.

Despite the relatively high cost of the vehicle compared to other manufacturers, the operation of heavy trucks produced by Volvo Trucks is economically profitable. This is explained by the fact that spare parts for the Volvo VNL 780 cost the same as spare parts for cars from competing manufacturers, and are often superior in quality and require repair or replacement much less often.

Chassis

Drive Volvo 670 – 6x4. The air suspension provides increased maneuverability of the vehicle, even on rough terrain. Meritor rear axles are equipped with air springs manufactured by Volvo.

The front axle beam is manufactured by Rockwell, and the structure itself is made by Meritor. The Air Ride pneumatic system guarantees the integrity of the materials in the body and the driver’s comfort while driving. Such advantages allowed the “walker” to receive many positive reviews.

Return to content

Transmission

The Volvo 670 truck tractor is equipped with an automatic hybrid 10-speed gearbox or a manual 9-speed Engine Synchro I-Shift. The latter is equipped with a divider and a demultiplier of a mechanical system with robotic switching. This Volvo 670 gearbox is considered the most modern and technologically advanced. Additionally, you can install a TR for transportation:

• DICON – building materials within populated areas;
• FUEC – goods on the highway in economical mode;
• FUEC3 – modified system with I-See technology;
• HD – very heavy loads by road trains weighing more than 85 tons.

For full operation, it is necessary to install a retarder, a power take-off and an emergency steering pump with power steering and an oil cooling system.

A variety of options allows you to choose the optimal type of transmission for the Volvo VNL 670 truck tractor, which will ensure economical fuel consumption. Based on research by the manufacturing company, this figure can reach 3%.

Return to content

Driver's cabin

The cabin has quite impressive dimensions. Its height is 250 cm, and its area is 50,000 cm2. For driver comfort, the work compartment and rest area are separated from each other. The sitting area has a pair of beds stacked one above the other. They have dimensions of 2 m x 1.07 m. In the Volvo 670 cabin, you can convert the lower bunk into a table with seats. You can climb to the upper bed using a metal ladder.

The cabin has a variety of lighting fixtures that not only fill the interior space with light, but also create a cozy environment. Sunlight streams in through the expansive windows and skylight. The audio system is equipped with 8 speakers located in the walls, and a TV is also installed.

The parking brake is activated via the large yellow button. When you pull it towards you, the wheels are unlocked. The red button on the dashboard allows you to fill the trailer with fresh air. A nearby lever provides braking for the semi-trailer.

The cabin of the Volvo VNL 670 tractor has storage compartments and various niches, refrigeration equipment, and a microwave oven. This will allow you to rest during long flights.

Return to content

Briefly about the model

Volvo 780 VNL trucks are produced by the American division, which, of course, is located in the USA. It is not surprising that this model became the car that combined two styles of automotive engineering.

What's American about this truck? It's safe to say that his appearance. European features include excellent quality and a high level of reliability.

The 780 is the latest vehicle in the VNL line. It was based on the previous model 770. Only the new product became more comfortable for the driver, even the size of the berth was increased to 2 meters in length. The width was 1 m. And it was decided to decorate the interior in a typical American style.

This tractor is a three-axle truck. Its purpose is to transport a road train whose weight can reach 60 tons. It is not difficult for this tractor to transport large cargo. The weight of the car itself is 9,000 kilograms, and the carrying capacity is 30,000 kg. In length, by the way, it reaches 7-9 meters (depending on the configuration). And the height from floor to ceiling is 2.5 meters.

Steering and instrument panel

Regardless of the degree of lighting in the Volvo VNL 670 interior, the main elements for monitoring the condition of the car remain visible. This applies to the display, digital instruments with LCD monitors, tachometer, speedometer, etc. The advantage of the latter is a double scale, which reflects the speed in miles and kilometers per hour. Optionally, you can install cruise control and a center differential lock.

Return to content

Control

This is another important topic that needs to be noted when talking about the Volvo tractor. The Volvo VNL 780 is a truck that simply amazes with its dimensions. But control can only bring pleasure; it really does not cause any difficulties.

Once you look into the driver’s cabin, a large yellow button immediately catches your eye - this is the handbrake. It is equipped with two functions. The first is to unlock the wheels, and the second is the parking brake. Therefore, if you need to unlock the wheels or activate the handbrake, you just need to press a button.

The dashboard pleases with the presence of an on-board computer and a control system. In general, this part is done very well - all indicators are in plain view of the driver.

Interestingly, the Volvo VNL is the truck that boasts a differential locking and cruise system. Thanks to it, the tractor easily adapts to winter and corresponding road conditions.