Volvo B7TL

Volvo B7TL
Wright Eclipse Gemini-bodied Volvo B7TL owned by First West Yorkshire
Overview
Manufacturer	Volvo Buses
Production	1999-2006
Body and chassis
Doors	1 or 2 door
Floor type	Low floor
Powertrain
Engine	Volvo D7C (7.3 L)
Power output	215hp/250hp
Transmission	Voith DIWA/ZF Ecomat
Chronology
Predecessor	Volvo Olympian
Successor	Volvo B9TL (2-Axle)

Volvo B7TL is a low-floor double-decker bus which was launched in 1999 and replaced the 2-axle version of Volvo Olympian (its 3-axle version was replaced by Volvo Super Olympian). It was built as the British bus operators seemed hesitant to purchase the B7L double decker with a long rear overhang (although some have since entered service in Glasgow, Scotland as 12m long double deckers).

The B7TL chassis was designed by the Leyland Product Developments consultancy based at the Leyland Technical Centre. It was initially built in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland. In 2000, production was gradually transferred to Sweden. In mid-2004, production of MkII version of B7TL was started.

Like the Olympian, the B7TL features a transversely-mounted rear engine and a shorter rear overhang, but the radiator was mounted on the right side of the engine compartment. It was equipped with Volvo D7C engine and ZF or Voith gearbox. The B7TL was initially available with Alexander ALX400 and Plaxton President bodywork, later followed by East Lancs Vyking and Myllennium Vyking bodies, and also the Wright Eclipse Gemini.

The Volvo B7TL was very popular in the United Kingdom, with a large number being purchased by most of the major bus groups such as FirstGroup and Arriva. Also Travel West Midlands purchased over 320 B7TLs with Plaxton President, Alexander ALX400 and Wright Eclipse Gemini bodies. Translink of Northern Ireland also purchased over 150 B7TLs.