Model VNL 780 manufactured by Volvo

Carriers around the world appreciate the comfort, operational reliability, safety and efficiency of vehicles. All these qualities are combined in the Volvo vnl 780 trucks - the embodiment of the dreams of many companies specializing in cargo transportation. The VNL series has gained wide popularity in the heavy-duty truck market. Hotly beloved by American truckers, truck tractors with a hood arrangement have also gained popularity in neighboring Canada, and there are a number of objective reasons for this.

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.

Specifications

Cabin

The most important thing for a truck driver in his truck is that the “working” place is comfortable. The Volvo 780 VNL can boast of this. The cabin area is five square meters, which is quite a lot. It should also be noted that, in comparison with its predecessors, this truck has many new compartments for storing things. The developers also decided to improve the lighting system, because good light is necessary, especially on long trips.

The cabin includes a mini-fridge, microwave and large TV. In general, everything you might need. By the way, the distinctive features of this model are a beautiful radiator grille, attractive headlights and simply incredibly large mirrors, due to which visibility is at a high level.

Reasons for choosing a machine

There are a number of positive qualities that have significantly increased the popularity of the Volvo 780.

Let's look at the main advantages of the Volvo VNL 780 model:

• Lightness and maneuverability provided by power steering with tilt adjustment;
• Electric rear view mirrors;
• Heated mirrors;
• ABC system, center wheel locking;
• Mountain brake, as well as the possibility of autonomous braking of a semi-trailer.

An option such as automatic window drive also deserves attention, although it is not uncommon today for truck tractors of this class. The car behaves confidently in difficult weather conditions.

Characteristics

The Volvo 780 VNL boasts excellent technical equipment. The engine that is most often found on it is the 15-liter Cummins ISX15. The same motor was installed on previous models. It is good because it has an EGR system, which is designed for processing gases. This engine also has good power - 550 horsepower. At the same time, it consumes a relatively small amount of fuel: about 38 liters of fuel are consumed per 100 kilometers.

Volvo trucks have always been famous for their quality, and VNL can also boast of good dynamics. Although for a truck this should probably be the last evaluation criterion. But nevertheless, this car is capable of accelerating to 103 km/h. It is worth recalling that this tractor weighs 9000 kilograms.

Engine options

In addition to the previously mentioned engine, the Volvo VNL model could be equipped with other units, for example, VE D16. This engine was developed by Volvo Trucks. And this is the most powerful power unit of all those that can be equipped with a tractor. Its working volume is 15.8 liters. It produces 600 horsepower. At the same time, it fully complies with the specified Euro-5 standards.

The second option is VE D13. Its main advantages are safety and environmental friendliness. True, it is not as powerful as the previous unit. Its displacement is 12.8 liters and it produces only 480 hp.

The last option is the weakest - VE D12. It belongs to the Euro-4 class. And its volume is 12.1 liters. The power of this engine is 440 horsepower. Volvo trucks equipped with this engine are the least popular of all of the above. But each of the engines is economical and easy to use.

Engine Volvo VNL 780

The tractor is quite well equipped from a technical point of view. Several engine models can be installed on it. The most commonly used power plant is the Cummins ISX15 with a displacement of 15 liters. Previous models of the VNL series were equipped with the same engine. An EGR system designed for gas processing is installed. The torque is 1850 N/m. With a fairly high power (550 horsepower), the tractor has a relatively low fuel consumption - 38 liters per 100 kilometers.

Cummins ISX15 powerplant with a displacement of 15 liters

Also for the VNL 780 model, the Swedish concern can produce the following engines:

• The VE D16 was developed by Volvo Trucks. It is the most powerful of all engines designed for serial tractors. Working volume 15.8 liters. Power 600 horsepower. In terms of environmental safety, it complies with the Euro-5 standard.
• VE D13 is a fairly economical and environmentally friendly engine. Belongs to the environmental class Euro-5. The working volume is 12.8 liters. Torque 2050 N/m. Power 480 horsepower.
• VE D12 in terms of environmental safety belongs to the Euro-4 class, just like the base engine. The working volume is 12.1 liters. Power 440 horsepower.

One of Volvo's advantages is the presence of a large number of branded showrooms and service stations throughout Russia. This is very important for truckers, because a breakdown can happen right on the road. In this case, it is necessary that there are stations nearby. The cost of the parts is quite high, but it justifies itself. The quality of original spare parts is the best, which allows them to be used for a long time without repair.

All engines installed on the VNL 780 model have high power and fuel efficiency. They are very reliable and easy to use. Volvo also pays great attention to environmental safety. Swedish specialists are constantly conducting research into the development of alternative fuels, using modernized filtration mechanisms and fluid supply systems, which allows the truck to meet all modern quality standards.

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.

Transmission and chassis

The car is quite large, but handling does not cause much difficulty. Noteworthy is the large yellow button - this is a handbrake, which has the following 2 functions: unlocking the wheels and parking brake. The instrument panel, equipped with an on-board computer and control system, is designed very thoughtfully so that all indicators are clearly visible to the driver. The cruise control system is very useful for truck drivers. The car is adapted to winter operating conditions thanks to a differential locking system.

The instrument panel is equipped with an on-board computer and control system

Volvo can install different types of gearboxes for the VNL series of trucks. Automatic, manual and robotic gearboxes are available. The number of gears can be from 8 to 14. Mechanisms are supplied by Eaton Fuller and Meritor. The intelligent transmission with an electronic control unit, which provides automatic gear shifting in the optimal mode for the vehicle, is very popular for this model. This system is called I-Shift. It reduces fuel consumption and helps make the truck easier to drive on long trips.

The average gear ratio is 3.35. The 780 Series trucks feature a Meritor axle and a Rockwell beam. The Air Ride pneumatic system is installed on all axles, which ensures driver comfort and safety of the transported cargo. This qualitatively distinguishes the new model from the first modifications of the VNL series, which were equipped with leaf spring suspension and air cushions.

Transmission

As you can understand, the Volvo VNL 780 tractor has very attractive characteristics. When talking about them, one cannot fail to mention the transmission.

Tractors can be equipped with any gearbox. Both “automatic” and “mechanical”, and even “robot” are installed. The number of speeds can vary from eight to fourteen. By the way, the mechanisms are supplied by such world-famous companies as Meritor and Eaton Fuller.

But the 780 model is most often equipped with an intelligent transmission equipped with an electronic control unit, thanks to which it is possible to ensure automatic gear shifting in the most optimal mode for the car.

It's also worth noting that each axle has a pneumatic system known as Air Ride. It not only makes it easier to drive, but also ensures the safety of the cargo the driver is transporting. And, I must say, this is the main feature of the 780 model. After all, all its predecessors were equipped with air cushions and leaf spring suspension, and these designs are not so effective.

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.