Top power engines tend to sell in relatively low numbers and, while flagship trucks tend to grab attention, the mainstream 11-13 litre trucks are where the real volumes lie for most truck makers.
This is particularly so for the Euro 5 MAN V8 engine rated at a whopping 680hp. It was only offered in the UK market for a limited time and almost every one sold here was fitted in three and four axle heavy haulage tractors. Tractor units plated for up to 250 tonnes gross are not exactly volume sellers in any market and only a select few operators have a requirement for this type of truck.
We spoke to just this type of operator to get their opinion on this rare but powerful MAN model.
The Allelys Group from Studley, Warwickshire, are major players in the heavy haulage sector, offering a wide range of transport, heavy lift and installation services. They operate a number of MAN 8x4 heavy tractors, including those powered by the 680hp V8 and the previous generation with the 18.3-litre V10 motor rated at 660hp.
Running a high power tractor unit on normal haulage operations, even at full-time 44 tonne work rarely taxes the driveline, but running a heavy haulage tractor with a torque converter transmission at its full 250 tonne rating, or going a stage further and hooking a number of them to a huge modular trailer, possibly grossing 500/600 tonnes or more, means that the tractors are really working and any weakness is soon exposed.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
Cutting a dash
Freshly showered and munching a healthy egg and cress sarnie in Gloucester North services, Chris has a Foden update
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
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
