Today we will try to conduct a comparative analysis of several tractors of famous brands. All trucks are adapted to Russian roads, but have their own distinctive features.
MAN
Let's start with the German company "MAN", this truck is rightfully considered a "workhorse". Firstly, this tractor is inexpensive, its average cost fluctuates around 30,000 thousand euros, it has a ZF AS-Tronic gearbox and an average engine power of 430 hp, parabolic suspension, which is ideal for highways. A standard fuel tank of 400 liters, and the highest consumption of 40.9 liters per 100 km, the MAN tractor shows only on difficult sections of the road. It is worth noting that this truck produces very high torque at low revs, in other words, in any gear, the engine clearly responds to pressing the gas pedal.
Maintenance of this is the most profitable and you can always find the necessary spare parts. In addition, one of the distinguishing features of MAN tractors is the cab, the interior is thought out to the smallest detail, the plastic is cheap, but it looks very solid, there is a small on-board computer, the driver can always determine the speed, fuel consumption and even determine which gear the car is moving. The tractor itself is quite light among trucks of this class. The total weight of a single tractor is 6,730 kg, this weight includes the driver and a full tank. Of the minuses, it is worth noting the presence of periodic failures in the on-board computer.
One of the competitors of "MAN" is considered to be the Swedish tractor "Scania". This truck is equipped with stiffer suspension for bad roads. The average power of this tractor is 415 hp, the gearbox can be either automatic Opticruis or ZF Tansmatic, the fuel tank is designed for 500 liters, and the average consumption is 35 liters per 100 km. The cabin is comfortable, without getting up from the seat, the driver can reach any button, the car can be integrated with an audio system and climate control. The cost varies depending on the configuration and averages 60,000 euros. The disadvantages include problems in the fuel system, not all Scania cars are adapted to Russian low-quality gasoline and diesel fuel, and the maintenance of this truck will cost a pretty penny.
Volvo FH16
The Volvo tractor is considered to be the most expensive competitor. This truck is considered the safest, most maneuverable and comfortable among others. Engine power 500 hp, 12-speed automatic transmission Volvo I-shift, fuel tank capacity 600 liters, average consumption 30 liters per 100 km. Inside the car, the driver feels very comfortable, luxury interior decoration, climate (cruise) - control, refrigerator and even a safe. It is worth noting that the brand's truck is far ahead of its competitors in terms of noise and heat insulation. However, the truck is very expensive, its average cost is 80,000 euros. It is worth noting that it is not easy for a driver to find spare parts for this tractor in the Russian market.
Volvo FH16 2012
The last in our review, but far from the characteristics, the truck of the French Renault brand differs from others in its lightness and fuel consumption of 25 liters per 100 km. It is intended mainly for regional routes. Engine power is 350 -400 hp, Optidriver + or TBV (Telecommande de Bolte de Vitesses) gearbox, the driver uses a special selector rather than a gear lever. The fuel tank of the Renault tractor holds 450 liters, plus a heat exchanger is provided for heating the fuel. The cabin of the Renault tractor is completely separated from the engine compartment, the driver feels comfortable and completely free, in addition, the driver, using indicators on the dashboard, is always aware of brake pad wear, fuel level, oil level, coolant level and fuel consumption. It is very easy to move inside the cab, because the floor is absolutely flat. The cost of the truck fluctuates around 37,000 euros. The disadvantages include frequent problems with the thermostat, expensive maintenance., Plus, the driver is not accustomed to climbing into the inside of the truck, since it is completely separated from the engine compartment.
When choosing a truck, you need to decide for yourself what goals you are pursuing. If you like comfort and innovative technologies, then the Volvo brand tractor will be the best choice. If you think about fuel consumption, then you will not find more economical Renault, the Scania truck is more suitable for Russian roads, but the tractors of the German company remain the favorite " MAN". They are good, first of all, for their price, inexpensive maintenance, decent comfort and abundant availability of spare parts. In addition, if none of the listed trucks suits you, then you can turn your attention to tractors of other brands, such as DAF, Mercedes, Iveco.
ETC (European Truck Challenge) - one of the most prestigious and influential tractor tests in the world, organized by the independent world press.
ETC was originally organized by two German automotive publishers five years ago. But today, 16 of the largest and most famous publishing houses in the world are already its judges, conducting a survey among readers in various parts of the world.
This year, the competition was attended by novelties created by the automotive giants DAF, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz and Scania. From each of the participants, one model of the tractor was presented to the public:
- From DAF - tractor XF 440 SpaceCab MX 11 (engine 440 hp, 2100 Nm)
- From Iveco - Stralis 420 Hi-Way Cursor tractor (420 hp engine, 1900 Nm)
- From MAN - tractor TGX 18.400 XLX D 26 (engine 400 hp, 1900/2100 Nm)
- From MB Actros - tractor 1843 Streamspace 2.5 (engine 428 hp, 2100 Nm)
- From Scania G 410 - Highline DC 13 tractor (410 hp, 2150 Nm engine)
The ETC test is designed to provide buyers with the right information about the trucks produced by the industrial giants. The test primarily considers such characteristics as operating costs, fuel consumption of the car, the cost of its maintenance and repair. In this case, it is believed that fuel consumption and operating costs are decisive for the choice of a particular model by the buyer.
Winner
Just this year, the ETC judges decided that the models in the competition must adhere to a certain speed range.
However, even though the competing Scania truck was forced to use the standard mode rather than the economical "Scania Opticruise" with fuel optimization, it managed to show the best results among the contenders.
The G 410 model had an average diesel fuel consumption of 29.4 liters per 100 km, and the second place Mercedes-Benz - 29.9 liters per 100 km. The average speed of Scania was also higher at 71.5 km/h compared to 70.8 km/h demonstrated by Mercedes-Benz.
"This is another testament to how Scania has been able to effectively use its innovative Euro 6 engine," said Christopher Podgorsky, Scania's senior vice president.
According to research by the US Department of Energy, road trains make up only about 4% of the total number of vehicles on the road, but they account for 20% of all automotive fuel. You now understand why the US and European governments are motivating commercial vehicle manufacturers to develop technologies that increase the efficiency of cargo transportation. And they do it by introducing the craziest and most innovative tractors. Just the other day, the North American division of Volvo Trucks introduced the stunning SuperTruck concept tractor. Let's start with him.
2016 Volvo SuperTruck
In 2010, the US Department of Energy launched an initiative aimed at reducing the fuel consumption of long haul tractors by 50%. Volvo SuperTruck is a long-range tractor of the future, stuffed with all sorts of gadgets, thanks to which fuel consumption has been reduced by 70% compared to modern American road trains.
More specifically, Volvo claims that the fuel consumption of an 18-wheel road train can be reduced from the usual 40 liters to 23-25 l/100 km! This was achieved thanks to the optimization of aerodynamics (for example, the drag coefficient decreased by 40%), the use of an aluminum frame, which reduced the weight of the car by 1350 kg, the installation of a less powerful D11 engine instead of the D13, and other similar trifles. The result is a 70% reduction in fuel consumption and an 88% increase in freight efficiency!
2015 Freightliner Inspiration Truck
A year earlier, Daimler showed its vision for the American truck of the future - the Freightliner Inspiration Truck. This road train was the first autonomous truck to be officially approved for use on public roads in Nevada. Prior to this, only passenger cars received such licenses. Freightliner Inspiration Truck uses the unique Highway Pilot system for autonomous driving, which was developed by Daimler for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
As soon as the Freightliner Inspiration Truck enters the highway, the driver can activate the autonomous driving system. It regulates the speed and also controls the brakes and steering. At the same time, the road train complies with the speed limits on the route, maintains a specified distance to the vehicle in front, and also uses the stop-and-go function to move in traffic jams.
2015 Freightliner SuperTruck
As part of the American program to improve the efficiency of transport of the US Department of Energy, which we wrote about above, Freightliner showed another concept tractor - the Freightliner SuperTruck. Its development took about 5 years. The concept received a streamlined aerodynamic body with a strongly inclined windshield, rounded corners (including the semi-trailer), partially closed wheels, closing grille shutters.
In order to reduce the mass of the road train, the chassis was lightened, Michelin tires with reduced rolling resistance were used instead of the usual ones, and hot exhaust gases and solar panels on the roof of the trailer became additional sources of energy. The truck is equipped with a specially modified 10.7-liter Detroit Diesel engine with a capacity of 390 hp. With. and automatic transmission. The result is a more than two-fold reduction in fuel consumption compared to the 2009 average. During a 500 km test drive with a full load, the Freightliner Supertruck consumed an average of 19.2 liters of fuel per 100 km of run.
2012 Freightliner Revolution Innovation Truck
Another promising Freightliner truck is the Revolution Innovation Truck concept developed by Daimler Trucks North America (DTNA) in collaboration with Toray Carbon Fibers America. The aim was to test the applicability of carbon fiber material for use in heavy road trains. The hood, roof fairing and rear of the concept cab are made from this material. The special structure of this multi-layer material significantly reduced the weight of all components, and its extraordinary strength made it possible to reduce the thickness of the stiffeners, which had a positive effect on cabin space. Thus, the external dimensions of the cab do not exceed the day cabs of modern trucks, but it is equipped with a full-fledged berth.
This concept uses the most modern ideas and solutions: LED headlights are much more durable, cameras are installed instead of rear-view mirrors, doors are devoid of handles (for the sake of improving aerodynamics) and open from a key fob, and the Detroit DD13 engine installed under the hood is the best in class in terms of fuel economy.
2013 Peterbilt SuperTruck
Peterbilt also joined the "arms race" and in 2013 showed its version of the super-truck. The Peterbilt SuperTruck is 54% more fuel efficient than standard road trains, according to the company. The truck received a highly efficient engine and an aerodynamic body kit on the tractor and semi-trailer. To further reduce fuel consumption, engineers used tires with reduced rolling resistance and a new system that "converts exhaust gases into energy that returns to the crankshaft," according to a press release.
2014 Mercedes-Benz Future Truck 2025
And what about in Europe? It's still tougher! In 2014, Daimler AG presented a completely reckless Future Truck 2025 concept road train capable of traveling in a fully autonomous mode. The highlight of the appearance lies in the original light-emitting diode (LED) backlight. When the tractor is driving in normal mode, controlled by the driver, the front panel and corners of the front bumper begin to glow white. In the case of driving on "autopilot", the color changes to blue, and pulsating to alert drivers around!
The machine is able to transmit information about its location, speed, braking, traffic situation, etc. to other road users - using the V2V and M21 network and WLAN technology using the standard G5 frequency. This allows not only to increase the safety of transportation, but also to speed up the delivery of goods - each tractor transmits information about the traffic situation along the chain. When the car moves on the road on "autopilot", the driver can take on other work - for example, be a part-time logistics manager, thereby increasing the profitability of transportation.
2016 Volvo Concept Truck
Volvo Trucks engineers have managed to reduce the fuel consumption of road trains by almost 30%. Their latest concept development shows in practice how this was achieved. First of all, the reduction in fuel consumption was influenced by the optimization of aerodynamics and the reduction in the weight of the road train. One of the key factors in reducing fuel consumption is the reduction of aerodynamic losses by more than 40%.
The Volvo Concept Truck has received completely new tires with reduced rolling friction. The semi-trailer weighs as much as 2 tons lighter than standard trailers, resulting in not only lower fuel consumption, but also increased payload. The transmission has also undergone a number of important upgrades.
2010 MAN Concept S
The design project of MAN was presented for the first time at the IAA 2010. The appearance of the truck tractor differs significantly from the cubic trucks currently produced. The MAN Concept S was shaped in a wind tunnel to achieve the lowest drag coefficient. Thanks to this alone, a road train with an aerodynamic trailer consumes 25% less fuel than a conventional 40-ton road train.
2010 IVECO Stralis Glider
Another rather not-so-new concept was introduced by IVECO in 2010. Stralis Glider is a laboratory on wheels presented at the 63rd IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hannover. This project is the result of the study of nature, it offers a new concept for a high-performance and environmentally friendly car. A team of researchers and specialists drew inspiration from one of nature's most perfect creatures - the eagle. The Stralis Glider has 2 m2 of photovoltaic cells that generate up to 2 kW of energy.
2026 Bosch VisionX
In conclusion, a project by Bosch, the implementation of which is scheduled for 2026. The basis of the tractor of the future VisionX is the autonomous movement system. The company plans that road trains will be assembled in a column, which will reduce the overall fuel consumption, since the head tractor creates a corridor in the oncoming air flow. In addition, the control of a group of cars is easier than when they move separately. Advanced hardware, numerous applications and services integrate the truck into the World Wide Web, allowing you to communicate with your own kind - receiving information about road works, traffic jams, weather and more is done in real time.
Giants on the road Today we will try to tell you how powerful and large trucks can be. Uncompromising road trains are used by carrier companies in the most difficult road conditions and in difficult missions for the transportation of non-standard and oversized cargo. These trucks have huge torque and over 700 diesel horsepower. They could possibly move mountains, but they are designed to carry equipment, ships and various devices that make the life of all mankind a little better and move us forward in their development.
Everyone has their own idea of the most powerful trucks in the world. For many, American tractors such as Freightliner, Peterbilt or Kenworth are the epitome of power. They not only look spectacular, but also have the right hardworking engines under the hood. Diesel engines Paccar or Cummins with a displacement of 16 liters have an amazing power-to-weight ratio and develop more than 600 hp. every. You probably think that American road trains are the most powerful on Earth?
It turns out that this is not the case. Trucks from Europe outdid them in terms of power. For example, Volvo FH16, it generally boasts 750 hp. under the hood. One of Scania's most powerful R-series trucks has 730 horses hidden under the hood. In general, the V8 engine of a Scandinavian truck has a cult status among thousands of truckers around the world.
If we take our eastern neighbors, then it will be impossible not to mention the trucks of Toyota, or rather, its Hino division, which is engaged in the construction of trucks. Mitsubishi Fuso, for its part, also offers top models of Super Great trucks that are practically unknown in our country. This list certainly included our domestic trucks, as one of the most powerful and unpretentious in the entire world history of their operation.
You can find all this and more in the selection from!
Country of origin: USA
Freightliner Cascadia
And so, we open the list of the most powerful cargo record holders from the colorful American hood. The brand is part of the Daimler concern and offers top models such as Cascadia.
Hidden under the hood of the Cascadia is a 15.6 liter Detroit DD16 from Detroit Diesel. As applied to this engine, its creators themselves use such an epithet as “the very best”.
Indeed, it is the largest and most powerful engine ever assembled on a Detroit Diesel. It has 608 hp. and a torque of 2.779 Nm. All this bulk of power is transferred to its rear wheels.
Peterbilt 587
Peterbilt 587 is a classic that we know and have seen countless times in countless Hollywood films. A long muzzle, a lot of chrome and naturally 608 horses under the hood make this powerful truck the king of all roads.
Kenworth W900
KenworthW900. Also known to many for its classic features and uniquely American style. Offered and available with Paccar diesel engines up to 12.9 liters and up to 507 hp. With. and with a torque of 2.508 Nm.
Western Star 4900 EX
company truck Westernstar, like Freightliner, is also part of the Daimler concern. He can put forward his heavy weapon for sale, - model 4900 EX. This is a real mobile home with a giant living compartment. Under its long hood, it can stand like a Detroit DD16 in-line six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 608 hp. With. and with a torque of 2.779 Nm, and the Cummins ISX15 engine with the same 608 hp.
International Lonestar
Another large carcass from across the ocean - Internationaltrucks, she flaunts her top model on the catwalk Lonestar 608 hp and a permissible total weight including a semi-trailer up to 63 tons, which also inspires confidence with its impressiveness.
Mac Program
His name is- Program: a titanium-like giant produced by the firm Mack. The mighty semi-trailer plays in the sun with its chrome platform sides, and the “tadpole” shines even more. Its destiny and purpose is the transportation of large multi-ton equipment, as well as very heavy oversized cargo. Engine power 613 hp, torque is 2.792 Nm. The MP10 engine has a displacement of 16 liters, which is just the volume that is needed for serious work.
However, not only Americans are united.
Country of origin: Sweden
Scania R 730
European manufacturers also have their own aces up their sleeves. Take a truck for example. scania, model R730. The name encodes its power, which is 730 hp. with a torque of 3.500 Nm! This is a real dream for drivers who specialize in transporting heavy loads. Under the hood is a V8 16.4 liter turbodiesel, it is he who is able to provide this truck with such a return.
Volvo FH16
Six cylinders in one row, with 16 liters of volume - we are talking about FH16 700 hp In 2009, it was the current record holder for the power of its engine, that is, the most powerful truck in the world at that time. However, the Swedes in those days were not even going to stop there. Adding another 50 hp to the power today, this truck continues to be one of the three most powerful vehicles in the world. And 3,550 Newton meters of torque give this giant FH16, on any slope and with almost any load, incredible strength and power. With such indicators, he was all on the shoulder.
Country of origin: Germany
MAN TGX
Competes with the above giant truck- man tgx, with its in-line six-cylinder 15.2 liter D3876 engine, this is the flagship model of the Bavarian company from Munich (if from the words you said, you presented the BMW car company to yourself as a "model of the Bavarian company", then this is not at all the case, this time many of you were mistaken) .
For maximum performance, the engine is equipped with two turbochargers and a common rail injection system.
The result is, the official 640 hp. and 3.000 Nm of torque.
Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT
A star by name Mercedes Benz. Freight car ActrosSLT stands at the top of the Mercedes cargo line. Draw your attention to its beauty. Such a car is even a pity to drive to work.
625 HP removed from six cylinders and 3.000 Newton meters of torque specifically correspond to its 15.6 liter displacement. That's what Top-cars among cargo workers mean!
Country of origin: Netherlands
DAF XF
Bigger, more truckload DAF-, manufacturer, famous Dutch automaker (Van Doornes Aanhangwagen Fabrieken). It is currently a division of the American concern PACCAR. XF-series was introduced as the top model.
DAF equips its XF trucks with inline six-cylinder engines that meet Euro-6 environmental standards. These engines are turbocharged and 12.9 liter volume. Accordingly, its 510 hp. and 2.500 Nm of torque are attached to it. For hard and exhausting work, this is more than enough.
Country of origin: Italy
Iveco Stralis
The Fiat Group-owned subsidiary of Iveco also produces very powerful trucks. IvecoStralis- just one of those. Under the floor of his cab, an in-line six-cylinder diesel power unit with a volume of 12.9 liters and a power of 560 hp is installed.
Country of origin: France
Renault T Series
Next, we will move to France! Truck companies RenaultT-Series Designed for long-distance and long-distance transportation. They performed well in difficult operating conditions.
To run the car, a large 12.8 liter engine, the T440 models, is installed under the hood, its six cylinders develop an output of 520 hp. at 2.550 Nm of torque.
Country of origin: Brazil
Volkswagen Constellation
You will probably now be extremely surprised that the automaker Volkswagen also manufactures trucks Constellation. Such a truck looks rather strange, but it inspires confidence precisely with its dimensions and the brand of a well-known manufacturer, which installs a 9.35 liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of 370 hp on the car.
Country of origin: Japan
Mitsubishi Fuso "Super Great"
Then we move to Japan. What Asian manufacturers of heavy trucks can offer on the car market today, the photo of the car itself will show you - MitsubishiFuso (Daimler). The Japanese called their large land ship not quite modestly, thus giving it a name-name, " SuperGreat". Performance and power up to 550 hp at 2.160 Nm of torque, it comes from the so-called sizable 19-liter twin-turbo V8 engine.
Hino 700S
Firm Hino is a division of the company Toyota. Top Series 700S equipped with a six-cylinder diesel engine that develops 480 hp. and 2.157 Nm of torque with an engine displacement of 12.9 liters. This truck model is used in a wide range of its applications, namely, for dump trucks, for special equipment and as tractors.
Isuzu 510 GigaMax Premium
Six pots in a row stand by the truck Isuzu 510 GigaMax Premium: engine capacity - 15.7 liters, power - 510 hp, maximum torque - 2.255 Newton meters. These are good indicators for carrying something very large and heavy.
Country of origin: South Korea
Hyundai HD 1000
Of course car company Hyundai is another one of those manufacturers that also produces heavy trucks today, but few people in our country know about it. We can assure you that the Koreans also learned how to make good trucks. Despite serious competition in the Asian region, their model HD 1000 with a six-cylinder engine and a volume of 12.3 liters, it has 410 hp. and 1.850 Nm of torque.
Country of origin: Ukraine
East of Europe, in the former Soviet Union, a truck such as KrAZ, production of the Kremenchug automobile plant. This powerful off-road monster can do things that most of the trucks on this list would never dream of. He will pass where others will simply immediately sit on the “belly” and at the same time, take on and take out so much payload that you can only exclaim: “Wow automonster!”
This "Tadpole" with a photo is called- KRAZ-6446-011-03 (T17.0EX) "BURLAK". Its V8 engine with a displacement of 14.9 liters develops almost 400 hp.
Country of origin: Belarus
MZKT-741600
Six cylinders, eight driven wheels, 608 hp, manufacturer MZKT(Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant) hardly knows his business. The tractor has a utilitarian name, like MZKT-741600. But you must admit, because the main thing in a truck is not the name, but its ability to work.
MZKT-741310
Do you want a more powerful truck? - Please! MZKT-741310. This is an even cooler and much more powerful truck. Its 12-cylinder engine develops 660 hp. at 2.450 Nm of torque.
Thanks to its wide off-road tires, under difficult operating conditions, it can easily drive into the most impassable off-road terrain.
Country of origin: Czech
Tatra
The Czech automotive tradition has always been distinctive and unique. Trucks Tatra this fate has not passed. Tatra cars have not been produced for a long time, but trucks are still alive today. They proved to be reliable, durable and passable, and all due to the special suspension design, which remains extremely popular to this day.
Another feature is the naturally aspirated V8 engine with 462 horsepower.
Country of origin: Russia
KAMAZ 5490
We could not ignore our domestic trucks. KAMAZ- the plant from Naberezhnye Chelny produces a lot of cargo civil and military equipment, as well as buses.
Model 5490- powered by a six-cylinder Daimler engine. Its power is 430 hp. at 2.100 Nm of torque. This is the top version of the truck from Russia.
Ural 63704M
Ural 63704M- power 412 l. With. at 1.872 Nm of torque, all-wheel drive. The updated legendary all-terrain truck continues to delight its drivers with incredible resistance not only to Russian off-road, but also to foreign ones.
Country of origin: Türkiye
BMC PRO 1144 (4x2)
Türkiye can also produce trucks. The brand of their trucks has a name - BMC and is produced in the city of Izmir. Previously, it was a British company that was engaged in the construction of not only trucks, but also buses, as well as engines for them. Top version of the truck tractor "PRO 1144 (4х2)" received an in-line six-cylinder engine with a volume of 10.8 liters and a capacity of 440 horsepower.
Askam Kamyon AS 32.300 LN
Introducing another tractor of Turkish origin, - AS 32.300 LN companies Askam Kamyon. The car is equipped with a 6.9 liter R6 engine, which develops a power of 292 hp. MAN took an active part in the creation of this company and the machine.
Country of origin: India
Ashok Leyland 4923TT
Another former British company is Leyland, which has gone into oblivion. It was founded back in 1968, and abolished in Foggy Albion in 1986. Interesting arithmetic is obtained. Today, trucks branded Ashok Leyland are made directly in India and only for the local market. The owner of this brand is the Indian company Hinduja Group. The most powerful model for today is a car 4923TT. This model has an engine capacity of 225 liters. With. with a torque of 800 Newton meters.
Tata
Next in line is yet another Indian car construction company that manufactures trucks. This brand of the company, founded already in 1945, judging by the net profit of $2 billion and the turnover of $41 billion, feels great today!
The best
Daimler engineers chose a Mercedes-Benz Actros 1844 LS BlueTec 5 with a standard cab to set a record for efficiency (at the test site in Nardo). This model is one of the most popular in the Actros family. Even the standard version of the Actros 1844 with a Euro 5 engine (displacement 11.9 litres, 435 hp, torque 2100 Nm) meets the stringent requirements that haulers place on a tractor. In addition to the economical engine, the new Actros is equipped as standard with the Mercedes PowerShift gearbox, which, as we mentioned above, makes a significant contribution to improving the fuel efficiency of the car.
According to Volvo experts, the most economical tractor in the FH13 42T line. It is equipped with a D13A engine in the performance of 400 or 440 hp. s., 12-speed I-shift gearbox with a special program "optimized gear shifting for fuel efficiency", drive axle 13/44 (13 tons of load capacity, 44 tons of gross train weight) and final drive with a gear ratio of i = 2.85 . A gearbox with i = 2.64 is recommended for the operation of a road train on very smooth roads, while the engine power should be 440-520 hp. With. The truck is equipped with Michelin XZA/XDA 315/70 R22.5 tires.
The aerodynamic package offered for the tractor includes top and side cab spoilers, a fairing mounted under the front bumper, and a "skirt" on the chassis. For machines operating in Russia, it is recommended to install only the upper and side cab spoilers from the complete set. Approximate fuel economy reaches 2%.
According to MAN Automobiles Russia LLC, the most economical tractor, both in terms of cost and operating costs, is the TGA 19.350 4x2 BLS-WW with an L cab. N.m, with which the ZF 16S222DD gearbox is aggregated. The hypoid bridge has a gear ratio I = 3.08. On standard machines only roof spoilers are installed. The complete aero package consists of a spoiler and fairings on the roof, side spoilers that open to access the working platform. A complete air package costs about €2,000 including VAT. Fuel economy can be up to 2%.
Renault distinguishes the Renault Premium 380 (Euro-3) tractor from its product line. They can be equipped with an upper spoiler, thanks to which you can save about 0.5 liters of fuel per 100 km. The cost of the top spoiler for Premium Vostok when ordering with a car is 56,000 rubles including VAT. When ordering separately - 96,755 rubles. VAT included. If a top spoiler and fuel tank side fairings are installed, then fuel savings can be up to 1.5 liters per hundred kilometers. The latest figures are relevant for Vostok-3 with a DXi 11 engine with a power of 380 hp. With.
The most economical Scania truck tractor offered on the Russian market in terms of cost and operating costs is the P340LA4x2HNA New Griffin. All Scania truck tractors are equipped with a complete set of aerodynamic spoilers (top and side). In addition, side chassis fairings and elastic side spoiler extensions can be installed. At the same time, fuel economy is 1.5%. The price of a set of spoilers is 47,900 rubles, including VAT. The Italian concern IVECO considers the most economical tractor model - IVECO STRALIS AS440S43T/P. It also has its own aerodynamic package, however, we are not aware of data on the possible fuel economy due to a decrease in aerodynamic drag.
Behind the stern
No matter how economical the tractor is, all its merits in achieving fuel efficiency can be crossed out by the trailer. And if a tractor spoiler installed too low increases fuel consumption by about a liter for every hundred kilometers traveled, then the lack of an aerodynamic package on the trailer adds a couple more liters to it. We do not take into account such obvious miscalculations as an awning that is poorly fixed or not rolled up during an idle run, since these are typical mistakes of young, inexperienced drivers, and we assume that an experienced driver is sitting behind the steering wheel.
However, back to the design of the trailer. The one that was hooked up to the Actros at the track of the Nardo range had rounded edges with a fairly large radius, as well as wheel fairings. Krone has made a serious step in improving the aerodynamics of semi-trailers. Its development - Profi Eco Liner with an original aerodynamic package made of plastic allows you to save up to five percent of fuel. Equally important is the perfection of the chassis of the trailer. It, like the axles of the tractor, reduces fuel consumption.
Tank reserve
As paradoxical as it sounds, the fuel efficiency of a road train also largely depends on the quality of the fuel itself. Not without reason, German engineers filled the Actros 1844 with new Shell diesel fuel to achieve the best possible result.
During the experiment, the fuel truck was located at the site where the drivers were changed to replenish the fuel supply in the tanks. The use of energy-saving oils also plays an important role in fuel economy (See "Flight" No. 4, 2007 "Energy Cocktail"). By the way, the engine of the Actros tractor was filled with Shell Rimula R6LME synthetic engine oil.
The subtleties of rolling
A significant reserve of fuel economy is built into the tires. The giants of the tire industry produce so-called energy-saving tires. We have already demonstrated the effect of their use on the pages of the magazine (See "Flight" No. 6, 2007 "Rolling Energy"). However, even without spending money on modern cylinders, you can really increase the efficiency of a road train by a simple method - maintaining the required pressure. Any deviation from the norm is reflected either in excessive fuel consumption (low pressure), or on tire mileage and their grip on the road (high or low pressure). It is not for nothing that we in the special project of the Reis magazine - TyRex Trophy - zealously monitor tire pressure. It is difficult to talk about how much fuel consumption will increase when the pressure drops from the norm by one or another amount.
It all depends on the design of the tires, the quality of the roadway and the loading of the road train. As practice shows, a deviation of 0.2-0.5 atmospheres can increase fuel consumption by more than a liter per 100 km. And now about how much fuel can be saved using modern energy-saving tires. A good example is Michelin's data from the Michelin X ENERGY™ SAVERGREEN tire test. With an annual operation of a road train (mileage of 130,000 km), the savings can reach 500 liters of fuel per truck.
Human factor
And now, when we have considered the main reserves of fuel economy, so to speak, of a technical plan, let's move on to the human factor. As practice shows, an experienced driver who knows the skills of economical driving of a road train can actually reduce fuel consumption by up to 15%.
Compared to the tools listed above, the difference is huge. Not without reason, almost all major automakers have centers for improving driving skills, on the basis of which experienced instructors not only acquaint drivers with the features of cars, but also teach them how to use them correctly from the point of view of fuel economy. Properly use the cruise control system, retarder, gearbox. For example, Daimler's training center in Werth has been providing this kind of advice for 40 years. True, it is not cheap - a one-day training program per employee will cost €370. However, not every driver should be sent for training. Competent staff is now in the price read "Flight" No. 10 2007. If you invest in an employee, you must be completely sure that the money will not only pay off, but also make a profit.
