The chassis of a bus (as well as other vehicles) refers to the frame or main structure of the vehicle that forms the basis or frame of the vehicle. It is the most important part of the vehicle which supports all loads and other components. The chassis plays an important role in maintaining the stability and integrity of the vehicle while moving on the road.
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In general, bus chassis are made of strong and durable materials such as steel or other alloy metals. This chassis will be the foundation for mounting the engine, transmission, suspension system, brake system and all other vehicle components.
Apart from providing structural support, the chassis also plays a role in absorbing most of the shocks and vibrations when the bus is moving on uneven roads. This helps reduce passenger discomfort and protects critical components from damage from repeated stress and shock.
The bus chassis is usually designed with certain considerations, such as the maximum load that can be transported, stability when maneuvering, vehicle height to pass obstacles on the road, and so on. Proper chassis design is essential to ensure maximum safety, comfort and performance over the life of the bus. Check out the following TransTRACK article for more!
Chassis Function
The function of the chassis in buses and other vehicles is very important and plays a role in several ways:
Structural Support
The chassis is the main frame of the vehicle which provides structural support for all of the vehicle’s components. All vehicle parts, such as the engine, transmission, suspension, body and passenger cabin, are mounted on the chassis. This chassis must be strong and durable enough to withstand the weight of the vehicle and the loads on it.
Stability
A good chassis helps to keep the vehicle stable while moving on the road. This involves proper setting of the vehicle’s center of gravity, balanced load distribution, and proper design to maintain balance during maneuvers.
Shock and Vibration Absorption
When the vehicle moves on uneven or bumpy roads, the chassis acts as a shock and vibration absorber. This helps reduce passenger discomfort and protects vehicle components from being damaged by excessive shaking.
Component Protector
The chassis plays a role in protecting vehicle components, especially when the vehicle experiences a collision or accident. As the main frame, the chassis seeks to absorb and disperse impact forces so that impact on other components can be minimized.
Load Distribution
The chassis helps distribute the load from cargo and passengers over the entire area of the vehicle. Proper load distribution is important to maintain the stability and balance of the vehicle while moving.
Component Integration
The chassis provides a platform on which all vehicle components can be seamlessly integrated. This allows for easier assembly and maintenance as the components are fixed in a predetermined position.
Storage Room
Some buses use a specially designed chassis that creates storage space under the cab or along the side of the vehicle. This allows for luggage storage or additional space for carrying items.
Identity Structure
The chassis on buses sometimes also serves as a unique identity or number that identifies a particular vehicle, especially in vehicle registration and tracking systems.
Overall, the chassis is a vital element in the design and function of buses and other vehicles. As the main frame, the chassis plays an important role in determining the performance, safety and comfort of the vehicle throughout its life.
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Chassis Prices in Indonesia
The price of the bus chassis is very diverse. Starting from hundreds to billions of rupiah for the total body of the bus. The following is the price of the bus chassis as quoted from various sources:
- Mercedes Benz OH : IDR 890 million
- Mercedes Benz OH : IDR 931 million
- Mercedes Benz OH M/T: IDR 970 million
- Mercedes Benz OH : IDR 1.013 billion
- Mercedes Benz OH A/T: IDR 1.230 billion
- Scania K410IB: IDR 1.75 Billion
- Volvo B11R: IDR 1.7 Billion
- MAN R37: IDR 2 Billion
- Hino Bus R 260: IDR 822 million
- Hino Bus FB130: Rp. 373 too
- Hino Bus A 215: IDR 555 million
The price of a bus chassis in Indonesia can be influenced by several factors, including:
Brands and Models
The make and model of the vehicle chassis can affect the price. Brands that are more well known or popular usually have a higher price than brands that are less well known.
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Type and Size
Buses come in various types and sizes, such as city buses, tourist buses, school buses, and others. Each type and size may have a different price.
Specifications and Features
Additional specifications or special features on the chassis can also affect the price. For example, a more advanced suspension system or structural reinforcement option might increase the price of the chassis.
Production year
The price of the bus chassis can also vary based on the year of manufacture. The chassis of newer or more up-to-date models tend to have a higher price.
Market Condition
Market conditions and other economic factors can also affect the price of chassis in Indonesia.
Best Selling Bus Chassis in Indonesia
several popular bus chassis brands in Indonesia and some of their superior specifications which are usually the main attraction for bus users.
Mercedes-Benz chassis
Mercedes-Benz has a reputation for advanced technology and high quality. Some of the top specs might include:
- Safety Technologies: Mercedes-Benz often offers advanced safety features such as intelligent braking systems, collision warning and driver assistance systems.
- Elegant Design: Mercedes-Benz is known for its luxurious and elegant design, both for the interior and exterior of the bus.
- Engine Performance: Mercedes-Benz often presents high-powered engines that offer responsive and efficient performance.
Hino chassis
Hino is a popular brand for tough and reliable bus chassis. Some of the top specs might include:
- Fuel Efficiency: Hino often offers engines with good environmental technologies and good fuel efficiency.
- Durability: Hino is known for its rugged and durable chassis, perfect for Indonesia’s diverse road conditions.
- Model Selection: Hino provides various bus models, including city buses, sightseeing buses, and intercity buses.
Volvo Chassis
Volvo is known for its innovation and safety technology. Some of the top specs might include:
- Safety Technology: Volvo often introduces a variety of advanced safety features, including emergency braking systems, collision prevention reminders and speed reduction systems when crossing pedestrians.
- Environmentally Friendly Performance: Volvo tends to offer environmentally friendly engines with low emissions and high fuel efficiency.
- Interior Quality: Volvo offers a comfortable and modern interior for the comfort of passengers.
MAN Chassis
MAN is a bus chassis brand known for its performance and advanced technology. Some of the top specs might include:
- Engine Performance: MAN often offers high powered engines that produce good power and torque.
- Suspension System: MAN usually uses a sophisticated suspension system to provide maximum comfort for passengers.
- Maneuverability: MANs are often designed with features that make it easier to maneuver on congested roads.
Isuzu chassis
Isuzu is a brand that is often chosen for city buses and inner-city passenger transportation. Some of the top specs might include:
- Fuel Efficiency: Isuzu is known for its fuel-efficient engines.
- Reliability: Isuzu has a reputation for reliable and easy-to-maintain bus chassis.
- Lightweight Chassis Design: Isuzu chassis often come with a lightweight design that allows for greater payload capacity.
Scania Chassis
Scania is a Swedish bus chassis brand known for its advanced technology and reliable performance. Some of the top specs might include:
- Engine Performance: Scania usually offers high power and environmentally friendly engines.
- Technological Innovation: Scania often comes with the latest technology features to improve operational efficiency and security.
- Ergonomic Design: Scania often offers interiors with ergonomic designs that are comfortable for the driver and passengers.
Golden Dragon chassis
Golden Dragon is a bus chassis brand from China which has also gained popularity in Indonesia. Some of the top specs might include:
- Affordable Price: Golden Dragon often offers chassis at a more affordable price than other brands.
- Model Choices: Golden Dragon provides a variety of bus models that can be adapted to various user needs.
- Modern Design: The Golden Dragon often has modern and stylish exterior and interior designs.
Be sure to always carry out further research, consult with dealers and stay up to date with the latest developments to get accurate information about the latest specifications and attractiveness of the bus chassis of the brands mentioned above.
Managing a large bus fleet can be a complex and challenging task. However, with the latest technology such as the Fleet Management System from TransTRACK, transportation entrepreneurs can improve their operational efficiency and fleet safety easily.
One of the superior features of FMS TransTRACK is real-time tracking. Transport operators can track the location and status of buses in real-time, enabling them to optimize routes, avoid congestion and improve punctuality. Thus, the company can provide a better travel experience for passengers.
With FMS TransTRACK, transport operators can improve efficiency, increase safety and optimize the overall performance of their fleet. As a complete and integrated management tool, this FMS is a valuable investment for the growth and sustainability of the transportation business.
Improve operational efficiency and enhance the security of your fleet by using this state-of-the-art solution from TransTRACK. Contact us today for more information and be a pioneer in presenting a brighter future in the world of transportation.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Bus chassis. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Hello all,
I need help narrowing down what type of chassis I should look for. Knowing what type of bus and what length will help me figure out what size parking area I need to secure before I start bidding on a bus, as well as to know what engine and transmission options will suit the other things I need out of the bus. I’m a thirtysomething planning on solo living and cross-country traveling out of a converted bus full-time for a couple years, maybe more, but maybe not. I'm going to do a barebones conversion before moving in and then figuring out the build from there.
I initially thought I was going to go for a conventional dognose bus as close to under 27’ to be able so stay in national parks, with a reliable engine and transmission combo for handling driving through mountains, but the more I spend time considering what I actually need, I’m leaning towards a smaller bus, but I don’t know if that should be a conventional short bus or a cutaway van chassis. The word that comes to mind the most when I think about what I need is “versatility.”
These are the things I know I need and want:
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A bus. I personally need a lot of light, so I value the amount of light that buses provide in their number of windows, as well as the general sense of spaciousness. I’m not interested in other types of conversions.
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Ability to handle mountain pass highway driving. I intend to spend a lot of time in the West Coast and North East over the next 1-2 years.
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Versatility - I want to be able to both drive in cities and boondock. I want occasional access to BLM camping off forest roads when the roads are fairly mild and don’t require significance clearance. I’m not trying to four-wheel, but also don’t want to be 100% locked to pavement.
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Service flexibility - I will not be doing most of the mechanical work on my own bus. I’m willing to pay more for labor in exchange for serviceability and part availability.
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Ability to maneuver and short-term park in urban areas- I am going to utilize a PA system to DJ and do other types of pop-up audio/visual performance from the bus. I need the option to find street-side parking in relatively urban areas, even if it takes forever to find spaces or fail to sweettalk myself out of a ticket.
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Enough rooftop space for a small terrace and solar array. I’d like to have space to put down a couple lounge chairs or a tent. I get the impression this isn't hard on most buses as I've seen a lot of shorties that have a partial terrace.
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Ability to have at least two sleeping surfaces inside through either a bunk bed or my main bed plus a lounge. I want to have the option to meet people along my journeys or invite friends to travel with me on some excursions when I visit them around the country.
Things that aren’t very important to me:
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Bus doesn't need to drive fast as I don’t intend to do a ton of driving day-to-day and I dislike speeding anyway.
- I
don’t intend to have a shower at first, or possibly ever. But hopefully I can have that option in the future if I decide to travel with someone full-time who might have different hygiene standards than I do. :biggrin: I do intend to create a private space for a composting toilet.
- I
don’t need a full-sized kitchen. I don’t need a full-sized fridge or dish machine, but I still want to have space to prepare food for cooking outside, or enough space to prepare food inside during cold or inclement weather.
- Longevity – this is a hard one. I have really zero idea how long I will live this lifestyle. As long as I put up with it or it puts up with me. My guess is a couple to a few years, but a pandemic has shown nothing is reliably foreseeable.
I hope to start bidding on a bus very soon, so I'm a little worried it'll be harder to find a short van cutaway that is in good shape with the right engine and transmission for me. I'm looking cross state-lines. Thanks for any suggestions and insights!
Wow what a list, don't expect to check every box, life isn't like that, compromise is the key word. Working on your bus while on the road is extremely hard unless you are a super self motivating kind of person. You will always regret throwing some crap together, always reach for the pinnacle of perfection but is rarely achieved. There are people that will let you drop by and give you a hand, on skooliepalooza anyway, maybe here too.
For sure. It’s hard to turn this into a feasible plan without knowing what bus it’ll even take place in. I think one of the biggest for me is making sure I can travel through the Rockies and Northern California without fearing I’m going to break down on the side of the road. I’ve done the California coast by bicycle and saw plenty of automobiles struggling. The other stuff I’m more flexible over. I don’t anticipate my bus will be on the higher end of weight, so I might be able to get by with a smaller chassis.
What I’m able to accomplish before moving in I want to do right. That’s likely subfloor and hopefully insulation. I don’t want to do any framing this summer until I’ve lived in it for a few months and know for sure, or as sure as I can be, what I actually want in the buildout.
I’m leaning more and more towards a van cutaway. I’d be happy if I accomplished a third of what these folks did:
https://youtu.be/hHUjBChvIR8
https://youtu.be/o7MZEOgcYMU