At the time of its launch, many observers saw Daimler’s Mercedes Axor as a compromise. The chassis was provided by the Actros, and the driver’s cab, by the Atego. And the engine? That came from a bus. And many critics did not like the looks, either. In a nutshell, the Axor was a compromise. However, …
In 2010, lastauto omnibus magazine arranged a meeting of giants: the Scania R 730 and Volvo FH 16-700, the most powerful production trucks worldwide at the time, squared off for the first time. They both had a lot to offer. The Scania R 730 plunked 730 HP and a maximum torque of 2850 lb-ft (3500 …
The Mercedes-Benz SLT tractor unit is well known among heavy-load haulers, and TruckScout24, too, currently has some Swabian “heavy lifters” in form of used trucks in its program. However, the Swabians are now launching a completely new Mercedes-Benz SLT. It completes the introduction of the Mercedes truck series with Euro-6 engines, according to eurotransport.de. Mercedes-Benz …
Continue reading “New Mercedes-Benz SLT: Are Pre-Owned Models Getting Cheaper?”
At the beginning of 2011, professional drivers joined forces with the FERNFAHRER magazine to test the DAF XF 105 Safety Truck. The professionals were fairly enthusiastic about the Dutch long-distance lorry. Manuel Koch from Bad Salzungen had only switched from a Scania Topline 500 to an Actros 1841 with EPS gearbox and L cab a …
The Iveco Strator ASN 440 S 45 is a rarity among artics in Europe. With its long bonnet, it is more reminiscent of a US truck. In 2011, the magazine FERNFAHRER invited a few professional drivers to test the Italian truck with the cheeky nose. 49-year-old Reiner Klumpp from Sindelfingen was very positive: “I always …
Continue reading “Test drive of the Iveco Strator ASN 400 S 45”
Times are changing at Renault: the Renault T is replacing the old flagship Renault Magnum as the French company’s long-distance lorry and brings with it plenty of Swedish touches from Volvo. But the Swedish-French co-production is not as new as it seems: Renault Trucks has been a brand of the Volvo corporation for over ten …
The new Mercedes Actros has been available since 2012. Nevertheless, it is worth casting an eye over the third generation. This is demonstrated by a test drive of the flagship 1860 LS with Megaspace driver’s cab. BHP and consumption in the upper range Under the bonnet of the Mercedes Actros 1860 LS, a 598 BHP …
US trucks like the International Lone Star are rarities in Europe. Anyone who wants to work seriously with these vehicles must usually have to accept using a shorter trailer. This is also related to their generous driver’s cabs, which go well beyond our usual standards. If you can live with the economic consequences of that, …
Continue reading “US trucks: make an impression and enjoy them”
The Scania R 480 is available with the engine options Euro-5 and Euro-6. Some time ago, the magazines lastauto omnibus and FERNFAHRER took the trouble to test which standard is cheaper for carriers. The Euro-6 engine scored surprisingly well regarding fuel consumption; however, this is offset by the extra cost of approx. 12 000 € for a this new tractor. Euro-6 tractors are therefore only cost-effective if they also have significant advantages regarding road toll. It is currently not clear whether there will be a special toll class for Euro-6 engines. And even if this happens, it would have to be a clear difference in the toll per mile for Euro-5 and Euro-6 engines. Experts assume that it would require a difference of at least 6.5 cents/mile (4 cents/km). It therefore may not always be worthwhile to bet on the latest technology.
