Despite the fact that the first Volvo 240 went on sale in 1974, the cars are still in demand. The 240 series became one of the most successful in Volvo's history and was the number one in sales for a long time. The cars presented are sedan and station wagon. Over the course of their existence, the two-door 242 sedan and four-door 244 underwent several redesigns, resulting in MacPherson strut suspension and an updated front end. The 245 station wagon, based on the 140, remained relatively constant. Although, the interior refurbishment affected all representatives of the series. Gradually, cars became more comfortable. As a result of the update in 1981, models with the prefix “s” appeared. The nimble 240s were a success in motorsport, winning the European Touring Car Championship. But the base 240 had nothing to do with gambling. Rather, on the contrary, their owners were people who wanted to get a shock-resistant and spacious vehicle. Unfortunately, the overall 240 let us down in terms of handling and economy. The last models rolled off the assembly line in 1993. But thanks to the build quality and reliability, they amaze with their endurance. Stylistically, the 240 doesn't fit modern parameters of attractiveness. Meanwhile, cars easily compensate for this with practicality.
Video test drive
Currently, production of the model has been completed. Its release was carried out in 2002-2007.
The main advantages of the Volvo EC240BLC excavator are:
- significant degree of recycling, increasing the level of environmental protection by 95%:
- reliable power plant of our own manufacture with the highest efficiency for this class and high torque at low speeds;
- hydraulic system equipped with two pumps. This element provides high pulling force, smooth control and good response;
- advanced Volvo Care Cab operator cab with ROPS system, which increases productivity and reduces operator fatigue, again providing maximum protection;
- easy access reversible cooling fan;
- CareTrack telemetry installed in the basic equipment. It can significantly reduce costs, reduce fuel consumption and increase the profitability of using an excavator.
The Volvo 240 excavator is a heavy-duty machine that provides wide functionality.
Driving impressions
All used Volvo 240 found on AutoMoto.ua
from $377 to $52,000
The 240 has always offered a comfortable ride thanks to its MacPherson strut suspension. By adjusting the shock absorbers and anti-roll bars appropriately, the car could be made more agile. Meanwhile, under heavy load, sedans and station wagons are prone to sagging. The 240 sticks to the road well. The rack-and-pinion steering was noted to have good accuracy, but it couldn’t be called a work of art. In truth, light power steering is exactly what drivers of vehicles like the Volvo 240 love. Sedans and estates are family cars and do their job well. The main advantage, or even strength, of the Volvo 240 was its indestructibility. The high-strength, stainless steel body made the 240 a star among used cars. Representatives of the 240 series will certainly last a long time, if not used as race cars. Durable, productive engines add confidence to the owner. But buyers should be wary of cars' tendency to leak oil.
Engine
The Volvo 240 is equipped with a Volvo D7DEBE2 diesel power plant with turbocharging, aftercooler and direct injection. This unit meets EPA Tier 2 and EU Step 2 emissions standards.
Among the distinctive design features of this 4-stroke 6-cylinder diesel engine, the following should be highlighted:
- air pre-purifier;
- automatic engine stop. The system is installed functionally and can significantly reduce fuel consumption. If the excavator is inoperative for a certain period of time (5 minutes by default), the system automatically turns off the motor. A minute before the unit stops, the operator receives a warning;
- coolant filter;
- 3-stage air cleaner with clogging sensor and pre-cleaning;
- air heater;
- fuel filter with water separator;
- a specialized monitor with a fuel consumption indicator. Average consumption is displayed on the screen, allowing you to monitor fuel consumption under a variety of operating conditions.
The premium Volvo D7DEBE2 powerplant is perfectly compatible with all equipment systems. The engine is offered in two modifications, differing in the level of compliance with exhaust gas toxicity.
The engine again includes an electronic control system and a Contronics control system, through which an optimal ratio of power output and fuel consumption is achieved.
The Volvo EC240BLC's charge air, hydraulic oil and radiator coolers are grouped on the same level, increasing their efficiency, making them easier to clean and reducing core contamination. The side cover makes access for maintenance extremely easy.
Volvo D7DEBE2 engine characteristics:
- working volume – 5.7 l;
- rated power - 119 kW (159 hp);
- rotation speed – 1800 rpm;
- maximum torque – 730 Nm;
- cylinder diameter – 98 mm.
Basic equipment and optional equipment
Cars that were produced in the last century are not appropriate to compare with modern vehicles in terms of equipment. But the Volvo 240 offered an extremely limited list of standard items. Yes, the equipment of the base model included: air conditioning, a cassette player that replaced the AM radio, central locking and a heater. The GL model was offered with power steering and anti-lock brakes. The top-end GLE added power windows, alloy wheels, a sunroof and leather upholstery as an option. In 1990, power steering and anti-lock brakes were added to the base model. Airbags were offered as standard equipment in 1992 and only on higher trim levels.
Photo
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Device
The Volvo EC240BLC excavator is renowned for its powerful and highly protected electrical system. Reliable connections and corrosion protection are achieved through waterproof double-lock connectors. Electrovalves and relays are additionally protected from mechanical damage. The system comes standard with a battery switch. Diagnostic information and performance monitoring are provided by the Contronics system.
The Volvo 240 undercarriage consists of an X-shaped frame with track chains that are sealed and lubricated. The tracks are driven by a 2-speed hydraulic motor, the gears of which are switched automatically.
The superstructure is rotated by an axial piston hydraulic motor with a planetary gearbox. The minimum configuration of the excavator again includes a kickback suppression valve and an automatic turntable brake.
Video at work
One of the key features of the Volvo EC240BLC is the latest ASWM (Automatic Sensing Work Mode) hydraulic system, designed to provide significant digging power and precise maneuvering. Through it, the summation and distribution of flows occurs based on the priorities of the rotary system, arm, boom, and again the regeneration of the flows of the boom and arm. Due to this, optimal performance is achieved.
The ASWM hydraulic system contains the following functions:
- boom priority, allowing for accelerated lifting when excavating from a significant depth and during loading;
- regeneration of boom and arm flows, allowing to maximize efficiency by optimizing flows in case of combined movements;
- summation of flows. The function allows you to combine the flows of two main pumps and ensure a short operating cycle and high performance;
- holding the handle and boom, blocking the possibility of drift during work;
- turntable priority, which allows you to speed up the rotation of the superstructure during the work process;
- boosting the removal and lifting functions if necessary;
- specialized Power Max mode, accelerating the speed of working movements;
- Boom priority with accelerated lift.
The Volvo 240 operator's cabin features easy access, excellent visibility in all directions and a wide door that makes it easier to get into the cabin. Hydraulic shock-absorbing supports completely dampen vibration and shock, and sound-absorbing lining minimizes noise levels. The lower glass of the front window is removable and can be stored inside the door, while the upper glass slides under the ceiling.
The Volvo EC240BLC operator's cabin is equipped with a built-in heating and air conditioning system. An automatically controlled fan directs filtered air into the operator's cabin, creating a comfortable working environment. The ergonomic operator's seat is adjustable in nine positions and is customizable to suit any driver. The operator can store grease and tools in a large and well-designed container. Seat belts provide additional protection.
The easy-to-open engine hood and large service covers provide easy access to key parts and service points. Durable steel platforms, supplemented with anti-slip pads, increase the level of safety when carrying out work in any weather and at any time of the day.
Volvo 240 is one of the market leaders in reliability and safety. At the same time, the special equipment has excellent technical characteristics and is relatively inexpensive for this category.
Specifications
Bucket characteristics:
- The type of bucket being installed is a backhoe.
- The smallest capacity of the installed bucket is 0.44 cubic meters.
- The largest capacity of the installed bucket is 1.75 cubic meters.
- The number of teeth on the lower cutting edge is 5.
- The maximum digging depth is 6500 millimeters.
- The maximum unloading height of the bucket is 6700 millimeters.
- The maximum reach of the bucket along the ground level is 9620 millimeters.
Engine characteristics:
- The type of engine installed is in-line, diesel.
- Engine make: D7DEBE2.
- Engine manufacturer – Volvo.
- Number of cylinders – 6.
- The total working volume is 7100 cubic meters.
- Rated output power is 130 kilowatts/174 horsepower (at 2000 rpm).
- The nominal crankshaft rotation speed is 2000 rpm.
- Maximum torque – 870 newtons per meter (at 1350 rpm).
- Type of cooling system – intermediate, liquid.
- Type of injection system – direct fuel injection.
- The diameter of the cylinders is 108 millimeters.
- The piston stroke is 130 millimeters.
- Type of turbocharging – gas turbine with charge air cooling.
- Average fuel consumption per working hour is 11.9 liters.
- The lowest speed of independent movement is 3.3 kilometers per hour.
- The highest speed of independent movement is 5.5 kilometers per hour.
Dimensions:
- Construction length – 10020 millimeters.
- The width of the tracked platform is 3190 millimeters.
- Total height – 2990 millimeters.
- The width of the caterpillar track is 600 millimeters.