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
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
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2017 من Truck & Driver.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة June 2017 من Truck & Driver.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 8500 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
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
