Rigid Opinions
Truck & Driver|June 2017

This month it’s a battle between F G Bond & Son’s 6x2 rear-steer rigids: Daf CF440 takes on a Scania R450. Our opinion is followed by the views of their drivers

Rigid Opinions

Although the new Scania range is just starting to enter into service, the existing R-series is still a fine truck, particularly an example as well-specced as this.

It’s curious to think that this basic cab shell has been around for 20 years and that later versions such as this one here might well still be working for another 20 years. The combination of leather and wood trim is beautifully finished, the Scania feeling like a high quality machine.

The 450hp engine is well matched to the two-pedal Opticruise gearbox; after all, 26 tonnes on three axles is never going to challenge a 44-tonne driveline. The truck accelerates effortlessly, the gear changes are smooth and the engine note subdued. With this engine output you know the truck is loaded, but nothing really challenges it. It would be hard to make a case for any more power in a solo rigid and it’s so unstressed we would be surprised if the driveline gave any serious problems in 10 years or more.

Although the full air suspension is smooth, there is a bit of roll, albeit well controlled. We have always been big fans of Scania retarders, which, used properly, make descending hills when loaded a formality. As expected, the R450 is a beautiful truck to drive.

Daf considerably heavier

Esta historia es de la edición June 2017 de Truck & Driver.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición June 2017 de Truck & Driver.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE TRUCK & DRIVERVer todo
Well forked Daf
Truck & Driver

Well forked Daf

Remember, we like to cover all sorts of different trucks here at T&D – like this impressive new CF rigid complete with Moffett Mounty forklift

time-read
9 minutos  |
August 2021
King of the hill
Truck & Driver

King of the hill

Moving heavy equipment off road calls for a truck with plenty of power and traction, which is why M&J Plant chose a mighty 6x4 FH16 750

time-read
9 minutos  |
August 2021
Time Machine 2015-2019
Truck & Driver

Time Machine 2015-2019

It’s the final part of our series on the history of UK haulage. Let’s look back at those innocent times before that pesky virus turned up

time-read
10+ minutos  |
August 2021
Original and best
Truck & Driver

Original and best

There are few trucks which have been customised to the level of the Scania 143, but let’s not forget that the standard product was pretty awesome just as it left the factory, like this rare 420

time-read
7 minutos  |
August 2021
GOING ALL THE WAY
Truck & Driver

GOING ALL THE WAY

Simon Rogers got behind the wheel as soon as he was able to, and nearly 30 years later, his company is going from strength to strength, with a striking all-black, top-spec Iveco S-Way 570 the latest addition to the fleet

time-read
7 minutos  |
August 2021
Abnormal loads
Truck & Driver

Abnormal loads

In the distant past, when dinosaurs roamed the planet, truck drivers were a very different breed, made from sterner stuff than us mere mortals

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2021
Range change
Truck & Driver

Range change

After a gap of 13 years, Renault trucks have reappeared in the unique colours of MacRitchie Highland Distribution. T&D takes the high road to Inverness to meet owners, Donald and Catriona MacRitchie

time-read
9 minutos  |
August 2021
Cutting a dash
Truck & Driver

Cutting a dash

Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update

time-read
3 minutos  |
August 2021
Air we go!
Truck & Driver

Air we go!

On Saturday 29 May at 6pm, 240 drivers gathered with their trucks at South Mimms Services for a parade to raise vital money for Essex & Hertfordshire Air Ambulance

time-read
1 min  |
August 2021
A Cutt Above
Truck & Driver

A Cutt Above

From coal to turf to fencing and loads more, there’s not much the Calcutt fleet hasn’t transported over the years

time-read
7 minutos  |
August 2021