Volvo F12
Built: 1981-1994 · Series: F12
More machines from model year 1981
Volvo F12 – the collective page of the 12-litre articulated tractor of the F-series, built 1977 to 1993, 262 to 291 kW, six-cylinders of around 12 litres, gross weight from 16.5 to 36 tonnes
The Volvo F12 belongs to the F-series introduced in 1977, which alongside the smaller F10 and the larger F16 formed Volvo's range of long-haul articulated tractors until 1993, before the FH series replaced them; the number 12 in the name denotes the displacement of the inline six-cylinder of around 12 litres. Axle-formula codes such as 6X2 and 6X4, and TA and S, denote the drive type and equipment variant of the respective chassis.
Read on 3 more paragraphs
The register lists here 17 versions with 262 to 291 kW from six-cylinders of 11,970 to 12,000 cm³, unladen weights from 6,953 to 14,845 kg, gross weights from 16,500 to 36,000 kg, lengths from 5,500 to 9,600 mm and widths from 2,480 to 2,600 mm.
In the 1980s, the F12 ranked alongside the Scania 2-series and the Mercedes-Benz NG among Europe's leading articulated tractors and, with its straight front end and raised cab, shaped the image of long-haul transport of that era.
On a used example, the condition of the inline six-cylinder and the mechanical injection pump matter, along with rust on the frame, cab mounts and mudguards, the condition of the clutch and manual gearbox, and on the 6X4 chassis wear on the rear-axle differential and air-suspension bellows; parts increasingly run through independent Volvo specialists and classic-vehicle dealers.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Volvo F12, Volvo Trucks (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Power | 283 kWcorrect |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 6correct |
| Displacement | 12,000 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 9,600 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,600 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 5,950 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 14,845 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 26,000 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Gears | 14correct |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 8correct |
| Top speed | 90 km/hcorrect |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 19.1 kW/t (283 kW / 14.8 t)
Stronger than 50% of the trucks in the register — out of 25,242 models with a stated power figure.
Calculated from the documented figures above — not a rating.
Frequently asked questions
How much power does the Volvo F12 have?
The Volvo F12 delivers 283 kW.
How much does the Volvo F12 weigh?
The unladen weight is 14,845 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Volvo F12?
26,000 kg.
What engine does the Volvo F12 have?
6 cylinders, 12,000 cm³ displacement.
How fast does the Volvo F12 go?
Top speed is 90 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Volvo F12?
9,600 mm × 2,600 mm.
When was the Volvo F12 built?
Production years: 1981-1994.
What to check before buying
- Check the hour meter against the service records — a replaced instrument is the most common gap.
- Compare the data plate and chassis number with the papers.
- Check the weights in the papers against the figures here — attachments change them.
- Ask about parts availability for this build year — the running costs hang on it.
A general list for this type of machine — no substitute for an inspection or an appraiser.
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This page carries 14 individual figures for this model. They come from 1 recorded source; every figure can be traced there. What we cannot document is not here — we leave gaps open rather than estimate them.
The technical data on this page comes from official vehicle registration records (RDW/Traficom), not from the manufacturer.
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Other models in this series
F!12 4X2
F-12 TC-36
F12 204X2T34
F12 25 -6X2
F12 32 6X2
F12 4X2
F12 4X2 18
F12 4X2S
F12 6X2-46-43/400+135
F12 6X4
F12 CH 56
F12 S-25 6X2
Sources: RDW — Dutch national vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
Truck in 3D section
Turn the model, look inside and click an assembly — each one is explained.
