Truck Test is almost upon us!

May 11, 2022

Excitement is mounting, with the 2022 Truck Test just around the corner. It’s THE event on the transport calendar this year!

Truck Test 2022 is about to happen! The event, which takes place from May 31 to June 2, will put an incredible line-up of trucks through their paces.

Because it’s the key trucking route in South Africa, we’re testing the trucks on the N3. As has been the case since Day One, Engen is the exclusive fuel sponsor for Truck Test. For this reason the route starts, stops, overnights, and finishes at Engen facilities. The start and finish point will be Engen Blockhouse 1 Stop North (near Meyerton, south of Johannesburg).

Daimler Truck enters Actros

Daimler Truck has entered the Actros 2652LS/33 RE, which will pull an interlink tautliner.

The Actros 2652LS/33 RE is regarded as the first choice of long-haul truck tractor for non-dangerous goods operators looking for maximum efficiency at 56 tonnes Gross Combination Mass (GCM) on national routes.

The winning formula starts with the 15,6-litre OM473 six in-line engine, equipped with a turbo-compound system that recovers up to 30 kW of energy from the exhaust gas, which would otherwise just leave the exhaust pipe as a combination of heat and noise.

In addition to going, this engine is good at slowing, equipped as it is with a high-performance engine compression brake. This allows for more downhill speed without compromising safety or control.

This impressive power plant is matched to a 12-speed G281 transmission with an output retarder and a direct top gear that turns a pair of RT440 hypoid reduction rear axles with a 2.86:1 axle ratio.

Regarding the really high-tech stuff, the absence of rear-view mirrors is conspicuous; this Actros is equipped with Mirrorcam, offering not only reduced wind resistance and fuel savings, but also giving the driver a much better field of view than conventional glass mirrors.

The most impressive feature of all, however, is that the truck is equipped with Predictive Powertrain Control (PPC), which pre-emptively accelerates and decelerates the truck for optimal fuel economy when running in cruise control, based on the vehicle’s instantaneous position using 3D map data.

This allows the cruise control to manipulate the throttle as if the truck is being driven by an expert driver with intimate knowledge of a route, even if the truck or driver has never travelled that route before.

Iveco enters two S-Ways

Iveco has entered two S-Ways, namely the S-Way AS440S47TZ/P ON – which will be hooked to an interlink tautliner – and the S-Way AT440S43TZ OFF, which will pull a tri-axle flat deck.

The new S-Way range, launched in South Africa in March 2022, represents the best-ever Iveco offering to South Africa’s extra-heavy road freight operators. The S-Way is part of a global common architecture programme that harnesses modular design to deliver consistent benefits across the full spectrum of road freight operations.

Total cost of ownership (TCO) is the central focus of the design philosophy. The local specification offered to South Africa keeps this core tenet whilst customising the models for South African conditions. The models entered into the 2022 Truck Test serve quite different operator needs in the local market, yet still share enough commonality to simplify aftermarket support, thereby reducing TCO in either environment.

The AS440S47TZ/P ON is the flagship model of the local range. This aerodynamically streamlined beauty hugs the road for efficient on-highway long-haul operations. The AT440S43TZ OFF is a rugged and efficient haulier at home in mining and agricultural logistics, where long-haul efficiency must be complemented by good ground clearance and a robust suspension to deal with often challenging conditions at the beginning and/or end of the haulage mission.

Both units are powered by Iveco’s brand new common-rail Cursor 13 engine, which is mated to the 12-speed direct-drive Hi-Tronix transmission. The transmission is based on the latest generation Traxon gearbox family from ZF, while drive is transmitted to the ground via single-reduction Meritor tandem axles. Combined with innovations like eco-roll and engine idle cut-off, the new drivetrain delivers significant fuel economy improvements, whilst synergies across the range simplify diagnostics and after-market support.

Safety is a critical contributor in the quest to maintain low operating costs. To this end, improved engine braking performance and the range standard intarder result in a shortening of stopping distances by up to 15%. Visibility is aided by full LED headlights that incorporate fog lights with cornering support. Even minor improvements such as the single-piece side window significantly improve the driver’s visibility. Driver wellness, meanwhile, plays a role in safety that cannot be overstated or stressed enough. The cab appointments of the S-Way range are designed and selected to make the driver’s seat a great place to work. The rest area ensures that drivers are well-rested and refreshed for long, safe, and productive hours on the road.

MAN’s four-truck field

Confirming just how seriously the company takes Truck Test, MAN has entered a record four trucks. The MAN TGS 26.480 6×4 BL SA, the MAN TGS 27.480 6×4 BB SA, and the MAN TGX 26.510 6×4 BL SA will all be hooked up to interlink semitrailers, while the MAN TGS 27.440 6×4 BB SA will pull a flat deck tridem.

The New MAN TG Truck range was introduced in South Africa in October 2021 and has – since market launch – performed exceptionally well in all application segments. Product upgrades have offered completely redesigned cabins with improved aerodynamics, a new driver-oriented workspace and interface, as well as a plethora of driver assistance systems.

In the high-end long-haul products, MAN’s trucks are well-appointed with ultra-modern and functional features suitable for local operating conditions. Customers will find many incredible value-adding and upgraded advanced features in the trucks, such as Emergency Brake Assist with collision avoidance, Electronic Stability Control with both dynamic stability and rollover prevention functions, Lane Guidance Systems, Adaptive Cruise Control, full LED headlights and turn signals, automatic high-low beam control, and automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensors, to name but a few!

Drivers particularly enjoy the upgraded air-sprung cabins and seats with lumbar support, digital instrument cluster, large infotainment display screen combined with truck-specific navigation maps, electro-mechanical park brake actuation, and the many comfort amenities included within the sleeper bunk areas. All these features bode well for the highly-efficient New MAN TG range.

Whilst the New MAN TG is arguably one of the most advanced trucks on South African roads today, MAN’s team of engineers, product managers, and sales managers have ensured that the truck remains locally relevant. The new generation MAN TGS and TGX trucks retain the core of their proven DNA, carried forward from previous generation trucks. These are the highly-efficient MAN D26 inline six common rail engines, 12-speed TipMatic gearboxes with intarder, and high performing MAN hypoid axles.

In Truck Test 2022, MAN is presenting four premium trucks: the recently-launched MAN TGX 26.510 6×4 BL SA of Euro 6d emission norm, the flagship long-haul truck TGS 26.480 6×4 BL SA, and the company’s two most common fleet trucks, the TGS 27.480 6×4 BB SA and the TGS 27.440 6×4 BB SA.

The two 26-tonne truck tractors feature electronically-controlled air suspension at the rear to ensure both load comfort and payload optimisation.

The TGS 26.480 6×4 BL SA features an optimised driveline with a direct drive gearbox and a matching rear axle final drive ratio. The MAN TipMatic gearbox features intelligent control functions allowing for Smartshifting, Idle Speed Driving (EfficientRoll), MAN EasyStart on hills, and an Inclinometer for slope detection. Together with a comprehensive aerodynamic package (comprising the MAN roof spoiler, cab extenders, and doorstep coverings), lightweight aluminium rims, LED signature daytime running lights, and cab insulation at strategic points for the management of cooling/heating energy, this creates a high-efficiency package necessary for best fuel economy.

The TGX 26.510 6×4 BL SA, meanwhile, is the company’s most technologically-advanced and environmentally-benign vehicle. It offers the same efficiencies as the TGS 26.480 6×4 BL SA, with the addition of dynamic steering with active lane-keep assistance and adaptive cruise control with stop-go functions.

The TGS 27-tonne truck tractor range boasts the ideal fleet trucks for long-haul traction applications, and is commonly found hauling side tipper interlinks and in performance-based standards (PBS) applications. The extra-heavy duty (XHD) family of trucks is made up of workhorses, with relatively fewer in-cab appointments, retaining the critical safety specifications found in other TGS long-haul truck tractors. The TGS 27.480 6×4 BB SA and TGS 27.440 6×4 BB SA are robust truck tractors ideal for on- and off-road applications.

Standard specifications include three-piece steel bumpers, 12-speed MAN TipMatic overdrive gearbox with intarder, heavy-duty transmission dependent power take-off suitable for continuous operation, MAN high-performance hypoid rear axles with disc brakes, and multi-leaf parabolic steel suspension.

In Truck Test 2022, MAN is seeking to set performance benchmarks for the New MAN TG trucks in real life everyday operation, while travelling on one of the busiest transport corridors of South Africa. It is going to be fascinating to see how they perform. After all, the range comes to South Africa with massively impressive credentials, with the new TGX range having been elected International Truck of the Year (IToY) 2021.

With a winning score of 155 votes, the German truck manufacturer’s flagship fought off the strong challenge posed by Volvo Trucks’ new FH range.

Based on IToY rules, the annual award is presented to the truck – introduced into the market in the previous 12 months – which has made the greatest contribution to road transport efficiency. Several important criteria are considered, including technological innovation, comfort, safety, driveability, fuel economy, environmental footprint, and TCO; MAN’s new TGX range knocked it out of the park in all of these areas.

During extended test drives, the IToY jury members appreciated the improved cab aerodynamics that contribute to reduced fuel consumption. Moreover, the jury praised the human-machine interface of the new truck range, based on an easy-to-read, fully-digital colour instrument cluster and the turn-and-press control system (SmartSelect) of the secondary display, along with the multifunction steering wheel. Finally, the IToY journalists appreciated the wide array of assistance and safety systems, aimed at reducing the driver’s workload in every operating condition, as well as at improving traffic safety.

Summing up the jury vote, International Truck of the Year chairman Gianenrico Griffini commented: “With the introduction of the new TGX, MAN has delivered a future-oriented heavy-duty truck range, able to answer today’s and tomorrow’s transport needs.”

We have no reason to believe that these trucks won’t also answer those needs here in South Africa.

FAW’s entry

FAW Trucks South Africa is fielding the FAW JH6 28.500FT, which will be hooked up to an interlink tautliner.

The JH6 28.500FT is the largest of the truck tractors from FAW Trucks South Africa. Here are its key dimensions:

Wheelbase: 3 300 mm + 1 350 mm
Overall length: 6 895 mm
Cab length: 2 646 mm
Overall width: 2 495 mm
Overall height: 3 910 mm
Ground clearance: 295 mm

The JH6 is fitted with the renowned CA6DM2 13-litre six-cylinder common-rail turbocharged and intercooled diesel powerplant. This develops 370 kW of power at 1 800 r/min and 2 300 Nm of peak torque at 1 400 r/min. It has two fuel tanks of 500 litres each, perfect for long haul and extended distances.

The 6DM2 engine is manufactured in FAW’s engine plant in Wuxi, China. The ZF 12-speed TraXon AMT transmission also has a parabolic spring suspension front and rear to address vehicle weight requirements. It houses a full air dual circuit WABCO braking system with ABS as part of the advanced safety features.

Befitting its long-haulier status, much focus has been placed on ensuring that the cabin of the JH6 28.500FT is as comfortable as possible, featuring a full floating extended-roof sleeper cab with an innovative flat floor. This optimises interior space, while standard features such as air-conditioning, a radio with a USB port, and suspension seating eliminate unnecessary driver fatigue.

Reinforcing the JH6 28.500FT guarantee is the large parts warehouse at FAW Trucks South Africa’s premises in Spartan, from where it supplies four main areas: Gauteng, Durban, Harrismith, and Cape Town.

Much-valued partners

We are privileged to be working with some incredible companies during Truck Test 2022 yet again:

As already mentioned, Engen will sponsor the fuel used on the test
Afrit is sponsoring trailers
Ctrack will sponsor the tracking devices
Vibro is sponsoring the loads
Specifications and results are being compiled by TruckScience
ADA is responsible for logistics

We would like to thank these companies profusely. It’s great to have leading transport industry suppliers and a leading brick supplier join us at what will be THE transport event of 2022.

The results of the complete run will be announced on June 17 and will be published in the June issue of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics. We will then know which trucks operators should be buying. Naturally, the results will also appear on the FOCUS website: www.focusontransport.co.za, while they will also feature in a television programme on Ignition in July.