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The recognizable design of the Volvo VNL 780: the wedge-shaped cab and headlights increase the aerodynamic characteristics of the car.
Among long-haul tractors, vehicles from the Volvo Trucks concern, which has the largest production facilities in the world, are widely known. The first generation of “Americans” - hooded truck tractors - came out with the VN marking. The tractors produced by the American branch of Volvo since the late nineties were initially available only to car owners in the United States and neighboring Canada. At the beginning of the 2000s, the concern produced the Volvo VNL 780 tractor - one of the last representatives of the first generation of the line of long-range vehicles. By that time, the habitat of the VN family had reached the European continent.
Specifications Volvo VNL 780
The development of a new long-range model, the Volvo VNL 780, was based on the already existing VNL 770 truck. The distinctive feature was not the improved technical parameters (which Volvo has always been excellent), but the attention to driver comfort. Banking on the love of American truckers for space inside the car, Volvo hit the bull's eye: the new VNL 780 became a revelation in the world of long-haul trucks. Huge, without exaggeration, the cabin received updated berths, now measuring no less than 2 meters in length and just over a meter in width. In addition, the lower seat can be transformed into a table with two seats (similar to the side seats in domestic second-class train carriages).
On five square meters, which is the area of the cabin, new additional drawers and cabinets have appeared. Lighting has been added: numerous light bulbs create a warm, cozy atmosphere, along with an audio system installed around the entire perimeter of the cabin. All this creates ideal conditions for long, tiring journeys and rest between transports. 2.5 meters of height allows you to walk in the cabin with your head held high. Amazingly, Volvo designers did not forget about the TV, microwave and mini-fridge. For a more tourist-like view, side mirrors were installed in the rear of the cabin. Not a car, but real travel apartments.
Volvo VNL 780 berths provide quality rest and the opportunity to dine in a cozy atmosphere.
Technical side
In addition to its recognizable appearance - which is just the elegant, curly headlights and neat radiator grille - the Volvo 780 tractor received good technical equipment. The engine brand remained unchanged: the same, time-tested and kilometers-tested, powerful (up to 500 hp) 12-liter Cummins ISX. The fuel consumption of this unit ranges from 36 to 42 liters - this is affected by the vehicle load and the selected travel mode. The presence of cruise control helps optimize fuel consumption. Savings of up to 3% (Volvo Trucks claim) are possible by maintaining a consistent speed on flat roads and downhill grades.
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The maximum developed speed is 100 km, which is quite typical for the Volvo VNL 780 (the technical characteristics of which are designed primarily for towing about 60 tons) and similar equipment. The fact that Volvo is an avid road worker is also evidenced by the huge six-hundred-liter fuel tanks. As for the issue of environmental safety, the manufacturer approaches the matter very responsibly: the engine complies with the Euro-4 standard. It should be noted that the topic of ecology has always been a favorite topic for Volvo Trucks: the company has been developing alternative fuels for several years (currently dimethyl ether is used in some models), actively using modern filtration systems and high-pressure fuel injection, which significantly reduces the harmful effects on environment.
The Volvo VNL 780 is capable of towing about 60 tons; this power is provided by a 500 hp power unit. and frame characteristics.
A typical American tractor is a kind of construction kit. The vehicle is equipped by specialized companies that produce components; only the frame structure, body, and installed electrical equipment remain original. Thus, gearboxes are supplied by Meritor and Eaton-Fuller, and engines for long-distance vehicles are produced by three giants: Cummins, Caterpillar and Detroit Diesel. True, Volvo Trucks also has “native” engines, but apparently does not use them so often in its long-haul variants. This approach to vehicle configuration is associated with the specific American market: truck tractors, as a rule, are made to order.
Transmission and design features
Driving without problems and difficulties begins with the technology inside the cabin. The non-standard design of the handbrake is striking - a large yellow button. It has two functions: the parking brake itself and releasing the wheel locks. The car has an on-board computer and a system diagnostic display: all devices are in full view of the driver. The already mentioned cruise control is supplemented by an important differential locking system between the axles (relevant in winter, and therefore in Russia).
Gearboxes are traditionally taken from ZF-Meritor and Eaton-Fuller: non-synchronized gearboxes or robotic versions based on them. By the way, Volvo trucks now receive an intelligent I-Shift transmission, a feature of which is an electronic control unit that allows the vehicle to select the optimal solution. This attention to control underlines the high class of Volvo Trucks. Power steering relieves the driver of additional physical effort: for a truck driver, driving should be as comfortable as for a passenger vehicle driver. The car's suspension is pneumatic, the front axle was developed by the Rockwell brand, and the rear axles were developed by Meritor. Despite such diversity of manufacturers, the air springs on the rear axle are original, Swedish.
The Volvo VNL 780 interior is spacious for both driver and passenger. The decision to replace the standard “handbrake” with a convenient and bright button was very opportune.
The Volvo VNL 780 is very popular among domestic truckers, reviews of which are presented in large numbers on Internet resources, and trucks of different model series are often found on the road. The reason for this is Volvo’s approach to the manufacture of specific vehicles, care for the driver, and the use of modern innovative systems in its cars. Domestic drivers love hooded tractors not only for their impressive interior, but also for the so-called “life meter” - a forward hood, which significantly increases driver safety in an emergency. We have to admit that this remains relevant on Russian highways due to the high number of accidents and the unsatisfactory condition of many highways. Not so long ago, production of Volvo trucks began to open in Russia, which affected the increase in the popularity of the brand.
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About the engine
For the Volvo vnl 780, units in several modifications were used, including the Cummins ISX15 with a volume of 15 liters. The big advantage of the engine was the exhaust gas control system. Power 550 l. With. quite enough to achieve various professional goals.
Despite the power of the power plant, fuel consumption is about 38 liters per hundred kilometers, which is very economical for cars of this class.
VE D12 is another variation of the engine with power ranging from 420-465 hp. With. Separately, we note that the engine complies with the Euro-4 standard. The VE D13 engine allows you to use 475-500 hp. With. The VE D16 unit is designed specifically for long-haul truck tractors that experience the heaviest loads. Power reaches 600 hp. With. We will pay special attention to the high environmental cleanliness of the engine, which is confirmed by compliance with the Euro-5 standard.
Volvo 780 Reviews
Andrey, Chelyabinsk. The car is produced in 2003.
The choice for work was between Fred (Freightliner), who already had driving experience, and Volvo. Naturally, we considered used options, since the price of a new one is by no means small - about 3.5 million rubles. In favor of Volvak, of course, is the presence of a “native” service in Chelyabinsk, and throughout Russia. Anything can happen on the road and the presence of stations is only a plus for the car. Spare parts are expensive, but there are far fewer problems with them, although it all depends on the model, of course. We took a Volvo VNL 780 hood with a mileage of 610,000 km. As for repairs, we naturally changed all the tires, since there was a fair amount of wear, springs, batteries and some small things. First of all, I am amazed by the cabin - I have never worked with such comfort. It’s not for nothing that in America drivers call this model “auto-home”. And the gearbox is very powerful, shifting is fast and precise.
The car holds up well on dirt roads and uphill slopes, but when heavily loaded with up to 40 tons, it tilts to one side, so you have to be careful, knowing our roads. There is also some heeling on a winding road. Experienced truck drivers just need to get used to such things. The presence of two stoves (Webasto) cannot but please us - you have to stand for a long time on the highway in winter for various reasons, and decent heating has helped out more than once. I drove different cars, including KAMAZ trucks - I can’t say anything bad about Volvo. I'm glad I had the opportunity to try this model.
Transmission and chassis
Since the cars of the model under consideration are equipped with various power units, it is advisable to pay attention to the gearbox and chassis of the car. There are several variations of gearboxes available here. The manufacturing company's engineers have provided for the use of manual, robotic or automatic gearboxes, with the number of positions varying between 8-14.
The presence of I-Shift is provided - a system that is designed to automatically switch speed modes. It favorably characterizes the gearbox of this brand compared to its analogues. The system greatly facilitates the truck driver’s work.
The front axle is a Rockwell beam, with Meritor axles serving as drive axles. The installation of Air Ride pneumatics ensures the safety of the transported cargo, as well as comfortable conditions for the driver of the vehicle. It is for this reason that the chassis has earned positive feedback from drivers.
Cabin and its structure
The American sales market, along with the Canadian one, is of great importance for the manufacturer, and therefore it is important for the company to listen to the wishes of drivers. Since American truckers have a passion for cabin space and bonneted trucks, the model in question fully meets their wishes. The interior has been updated with new berths 2 meters long, which is important on a long trip. The width of the bed was 1 meter, which is also very convenient for relaxation.
The cabin area is 5 square meters, which is quite enough to accommodate various things, personal items of truckers and papers with documents. In addition to all kinds of drawers and cabinets, the cabin has been replenished with lighting: light bulbs create better illumination of the driver’s internal workspace.
The cabin height is 2.5 meters, and this is an excellent opportunity to warm up for a person driving a truck for a long time. A TV, microwave and small refrigerator add convenience. Thanks to this, the tractor unit is characterized by increased reliability, safety and comfort.
Cab options and sizes
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.
