Volvo FH12
Built: 1995-2022 · Series: FH12
More machines from model year 1995
Not the right version? The data comes from vehicle registers holding many near-identical versions side by side. Photograph the data plate — we read make and type from it. Open the scanner e-mail address required
Volvo FH12 – the collective page of the heavy truck with the 12-litre engine, from 6x2 to tridem, 309 to 368 kW, 18,000 to 42,000 kg gross vehicle weight
The Volvo FH12 is a heavy truck that Volvo introduced in 1993 as the successor to the F12, forming the manufacturer's new FH generation together with the FH16. The number 12 in the type designation refers to the range's twelve-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine; the power figures 440 and 460 in model designations such as "FH12 440" denote the respective horsepower rating. The suffixes 6x2, Artic and Tridem describe the axle configuration or body type: 6x2 the driven axles of a three-axle tractor unit, Artic the articulated tractor for semi-trailer operation, and Tridem a three-axle variant for high payloads.
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The register lists 9 versions here with recorded outputs from 309 to 368 kW, displacements from 12,130 to 13,000 cc, kerb weights from 7,540 to 17,390 kg, gross vehicle weights from 18,000 to 42,000 kg, lengths from 5,970 to 12,000 mm and widths from 2,500 to 2,600 mm.
In the 1990s and 2000s, the FH12 was among the best-selling heavy trucks in Europe and competed directly with the Scania 124/144, Mercedes-Benz Actros and MAN TGA; it was used both as an articulated tractor unit in long-haul transport and, for instance in Tridem form, as a chassis for construction and specialist bodywork.
When buying used, these heavy vehicles call for checking the mileage of the D12 engine and the maintenance history of the turbocharger and injection pump, the condition of the clutch and gearbox, wear on brakes and axles under the high gross vehicle weights, and rust on the frame and cab suspension; parts are well available through the wide Volvo Trucks dealer network.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Volvo FH12, Volvo Trucks (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Power | 368 kWcorrect |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 6correct |
| Displacement | 13,000 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 12,000 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,600 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 7,400 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 17,390 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 38,000 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Wheels | 10correct |
|---|---|
| Top speed | 100 km/hcorrect |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 21.2 kW/t (368 kW / 17.4 t)
Stronger than 80% 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 FH12 have?
The Volvo FH12 delivers 368 kW.
How much does the Volvo FH12 weigh?
The unladen weight is 17,390 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Volvo FH12?
38,000 kg.
What engine does the Volvo FH12 have?
6 cylinders, 13,000 cm³ displacement.
How fast does the Volvo FH12 go?
Top speed is 100 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Volvo FH12?
12,000 mm × 2,600 mm.
When was the Volvo FH12 built?
Production years: 1995-2022.
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 13 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
Sources: RDW — Dutch national vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
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