Volvo FH16 - 550
Built: 2005-2016 · Series: FH16
More machines from model year 2005
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Volvo FH16 – the 16-litre flagship of long-haul transport since 1993: six-cylinder engines from 323 to 552 kW, up to 53 tonnes gross weight, three-axle TRIDEM version
The Volvo FH16 is the top version of the FH range, which Volvo introduced in 1993 as the successor to the F10, F12 and F16; the designation 16 refers to the 16-litre six-cylinder engine that sets the range apart from the smaller-displacement FH12 and FH13 versions. Over the model's history output rose in steps, visible in suffixes such as FH16 480, 520, 610, 650 and 750, each naming the version's approximate horsepower; the designation TRIDEM marks chassis with three axles at the rear for especially high payloads or special bodies, while X-PRO is a later equipment version.
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The register lists 11 versions with outputs from 323 to 552 kW, all from six-cylinder engines of 16,120 to 17,282 cm³. Unladen weights range from 7,984 to 36,062 kg, gross weights from 18,600 to 53,000 kg, lengths from 6,200 to 12,220 mm and widths from 2,500 to 2,600 mm.
Since its launch the FH16 has counted among the most powerful production tractor units in Europe and is favoured for heavy haulage, construction-site traffic and especially heavy articulated combinations, where the 750-hp version long held the top spot among production trucks. TRIDEM chassis with three rear axles are widespread above all in crane and special transport and in countries with high permitted gross weights.
When buying used, what matters on these powerful six-cylinders is the condition of turbocharger and injection system, clutch and gearbox (automatic or I-Shift), frame and axles, and the brake system; on TRIDEM chassis also the trailing or lift axle. Rust on the frame and body fittings, and the service history at high mileage, are important checks; spare parts run through Volvo's dense service network.
Sources: SpecCodex register, model data: Volvo FH16, Volvo Trucks (manufacturer)
Technical data
Engine
| Power | 404 kWcorrect |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 6correct |
| Displacement | 16,123 cm³correct |
Dimensions and weights
| Length | 10,800 mmcorrect |
|---|---|
| Width | 2,550 mmcorrect |
| Wheelbase | 6,680 mmcorrect |
| Unladen weight | 20,055 kgcorrect |
| Gross vehicle weight | 35,500 kgcorrect |
Drivetrain and chassis
| Gears | 9correct |
|---|---|
| Wheels | 12correct |
| Top speed | 90 km/hcorrect |
Where this model stands
Power-to-weight ratio: 20.1 kW/t (404 kW / 20.1 t)
Stronger than 91% 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 FH16 - 550 have?
The Volvo FH16 - 550 delivers 404 kW.
How much does the Volvo FH16 - 550 weigh?
The unladen weight is 20,055 kg.
What is the gross vehicle weight of the Volvo FH16 - 550?
35,500 kg.
What engine does the Volvo FH16 - 550 have?
6 cylinders, 16,123 cm³ displacement.
How fast does the Volvo FH16 - 550 go?
Top speed is 90 km/h.
What are the dimensions of the Volvo FH16 - 550?
10,800 mm × 2,550 mm.
When was the Volvo FH16 - 550 built?
Production years: 2005-2016.
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 2 recorded sources; 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) · Traficom — Finnish vehicle register (retrieved August 2026) · How we check the data
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