The red and yellow big rigs of the nearby VSB Groep always mean business. Without exception, the truck or tractor is a Scania. Another certainty is that there’s a V8 in charge. Yes, it’s rolling thunder time once again!
The 500 hp tractor, with a 15.6 liter V8 under its cab, features the classic 6×2 layout: a liftable tag axle with dual wheels. On heavy-duty tractor units, a liftable and steering single-wheeled pusher axle has become more common.
There’s no difference for the GVM, the drive axle is rated at a maximum axle load of 11.5 metric tons (25,353 lbs), whereas the tag or pusher axle is rated at 7.5 metric tons (16,535 lbs).
The heavy R-series, introduced in 2004, got an exterior and interior refresh in September 2009.
The famous Scania dashboard-sweep dates back to 1987, when it was introduced on the truck maker’s 3-series.
The 2013 tractor is coupled to a 2009 Bulthuis TATA12 end dump semi-trailer. The payload capacity of the semi-trailer is a highly satisfying 37 metric tons (81,571 lbs).
The semi-trailer’s first and third axle are steered by Bulthuis’ own proven and durable cable steering system; 100% mechanical, no hydraulics, no electronics.
Last year, I caught a Vogelzang semi-trailer with a Bulthuis system. This is the first axle…
…and here’s the third axle.
In Europe, Scania has become the last manufacturer of V8 truck diesels. There are no signs whatsoever that their V8-era (starting point 1969) will come to an end in the upcoming years. Alright, hammer on!
Other VSB big rigs:
CC Global: 2007 Scania R500 Topline 6×2 Tractor – 2015 GS Meppel Semi-Trailer
CC Global: 2010 Scania Conventional 6×2 Truck – It Left The Factory As A Cabover
Lots of Scanias over here they are quite popular as are most European truck brands, comfortable and quiet to operate they are kind to drivers.
I spend a lot of hours staring over an 87 dashboard like the one in the picture. Saw half of Europe that way from 1986 till 1991. Had a Scania from 88 till 90, DAF 2800 before that, Volvo F-10 after.
From 1974 to 1998, dad’s employer had several Scanias. Starting with a 85 (the only conventional they had), then a 111, 92, 113 (2x) and a 143. All day cabs, except the 143 tractor with a steering pusher axle.
The 143 (14 liter V8) was a downright brute, that model has become a bit of a cult classic.
With Traton, VW’s truck unit, developing a relationship with Navistar, we are hopeful the Scania V-8 will find its way into the International HX series here in the U.S.. The HX is International’s heavy haul tractor, and would be an ideal application for the Scania V-8.
Right, Scania’s 16.4 liter V8 is a bear of an engine, although its most powerful version -planted in the S730- is still out-powered and slightly out-torqued by the Volvo FH16-750 (16.1 liter inline-6).
Just like in Europe, a V8 would be a USP in a heavy tractor.
Here’s a current heavy Scania model in North-America, obviously being tested by Navistar. Source: https://iepieleaks.nl/navistar-testing-scania-in-the-usa/
Thanks for all the information. Old truck salesperson here.
That cable steering system is fascinating – thanks Johannes. Jim.