school buses
VISION
PROPANE
A ALT Fuel Choice
- 350 Horsepower
- Up to 33,000 lbs GVWR
- 47-93 Usable gallons
- Up to 83 passengers
- Starts in -40 degree F
Vision PROPANE:
With over 20,000 sold, Blue Bird’s 5th Generation Vision Propane bus is engineered to deliver fuel and maintenance cost-saving results, as well as offer drivers a pleasant riding and operation experience. As many satisfied customers can affirm, propane is a safe, clean and affordable alternative fuel, that features many operational and cost-saving benefits.
Propane...
Safe Alt Fuel.
Propane bus features:
- Safe for kids & environment
- Propane is virtually odorless & colorless
- Propane does NOT ignite easily
- Fuel tanks are thick & durable
- Tank mounting is strong & secure
- Fueling is safe & easy
Our buses’ engine systems are fitted with safety devices and shut-off valves that function automatically if the fuel line ruptures, and all lines and hoses are protected to prevent damage from loose cargo which could be encountered in the vehicle interior.
Propane is a very safe alternative fuel – both for the environment and the children that ride in our propane-powered school buses.
Propane is 270 times more compact as a liquid than as a gas, making it safe and economical to store and transport. Wearing gloves and goggles is recommended when refueling (which is also recommended for CNG, diesel and gasoline fueling).
Because it is released from a pressured container as a vapor, propane autogas can’t be ingested like gasoline or alcohol fuels. To put it simply, igniting propane gas in the air calls for very specific things to occur: 1)The mixture of propane/air must contain 2.2 percent to 9.6 percent propane vapor. Any more, or any less than that, and the propane will not ignite, 2) The source of ignition must reach 940 degrees Fahrenheit. In contrast, gasoline will ignite at only 430 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
Propane autogas fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture-resistant than typical diesel or gasoline tanks. They are made from carbon steel, include vapor-tight enclosures around all lines and fittings, and are manufactured with an Overfilling Prevention Device (OPD) that ensures the fuel volume will be able to adjust with temperature variations. There is also a pressure release device in every tank should the pressure rise beyond safe levels.
Even in 20g frontal impact, or 8g side or rear impact (which is twice the requirement specified in NFPA58), the propane tank will remain securely in place. It is also mounted between Blue Bird’s durable frame rails, which creates additional safety.
You Smell That?
NOT unless you have a LEAK...and that is by design.
In its natural form, propane has no scent, but a scent has been added (ethyl mercaptan) and is necessary to alert you that there is gas in the air. You will NOT smell propane as you drive down the road in this bus, unless there is a leak. This is for your safety.
At Blue Bird,
Safety is Built In.
At Blue Bird, we don’t cut corners when it comes to safety. We build our buses with safety as the number one priority- always.
Our options are designed with safety in mind.
We’re always thinking ahead when it comes to safety. Check out these safety features- they really are remarkable!
Roof Bows
Blue Bird's custom designed one-piece roof bow system ensures safe student transportation.
Safety Tests
Blue Bird buses are built to pass the industry's most trusted safety tests. This is standard with our buses, not an option.
NextGen Seats
Our exclusive Blue Bird NextGen Seats gives you the ability to convert to multiple seatbelt options, easily and affordable.
Stability Control
Blue Bird was the first to market with Electronic Stability Control, or ESC, for School Buses. You have to see it to believe it!
Vision Propane Specifications
available with passenger
seating up to 83
reduction gears with broad range
of ratios available to optimize
powertrain performance (rating
varies by capacity)
with 12 volts
System, 335 hp
Rear: varies by body length/wheelbase
electric outward opening
Optional: 93-gallon located
between frame rails in rear
*47-gallon for 169” wheelbase
Produces
low NOx emissions.
The Vision Propane is built better. Our quality shows from the ergonomic driver’s cockpit to the industry’s largest bumpers for added safety and protection.Quality is built-in to each bus we produce.
A few examples are…
- Improved window seals for ultra-smooth operation,
- Easy windshield replacement, and
- An engine compartment that’s readily accessible.
We Stand Behind Our Quality with a standard 5-year, unlimited mile warranty on our Vision Propane Engine and Fuel Systems
The Vision Propane’s Ford engine, paired with the Ford 6R140 transmission and ROUSH CleanTech fuel system, is certified to the low NOx level of 0.05 g/bhp-hr.
The performance of the engine relies on the transmission it works with. This is why Blue Bird has chosen to pair the Ford 7.3L engine with the proven 6R140 Ford transmission. This transmission was designed for the Ford 7.3L engine in order to deliver the best ratio of power and fuel economy.
It is cleaner by composition, not complication.
Further adding to the quality of the Propane bus, there are less parts on a propane bus versus other fuel types, making maintenance costs lower while improving the lifespan of existing bus parts. Because liquid propane has less buildup then other fuel types, your parts are cleaner, longer.
Blue Bird’s purpose-built chassis, specifically designed for bus applications, blends 90 years of innovation with unmatched value.
We make it easy to maintain with our superior technical training programs. ROUSH CleanTech also provides ongoing support through on-site or web-based technician training. To set up training, please contact your local Blue Bird dealer.
We pay attention to the details that deliver performance, and consistently explore ways to better our products. It’s part of Blue Bird’s continuous improvement culture.
WHAT’S UNDER THE HOOD…
FORD 7.3L V8
AND
6R140,
6-SPEED TRANSMISSION
Engines fueled by propane autogas require:
- Less oil by volume than diesel
- No additional diesel emission fluids
- No extra valve adjustments
The Vision Propane bus delivers economical training and easy maintenance that saves time because of:
- Simplified emissions system
- Proven performance
- Simple service strategy
Ready to Roll?
YES! No costly after-treatments needed for EPA.
No costly diesel after-treatment systems are required to meet Environmental Protection Agency requirements with the propane engine. And, the cleaner-burning fuel translates to cleaner parts and longer life for the engine.
Total Cost of Ownership
Calculating the TCO allows you to select a bus with confidence, because you will know you are getting the best return on your investment.
TCO is determined based on…Initial purchase price, taking into account:
- Fuel costs over time
- Maintenance costs over time
- Projected bus lifespan
With these factors in mind, the Blue Bird Propane Vision bus is the clear winner when it comes to TCO.
Districts' Savings
on Fuel and Maintenance Costs-
Federal & Local Rebates
-
Incentives for Alt Fuels
Propane
Domestically Sourced Fuel-
30-40% less per gallon than Gas
-
50% less per gallon than Diesel
Warranties
on Propane Buses-
Engine & Transmission
-
Entire Fuel System