Foden has started to build trucks back in 1856 but after a history of 150 years the production was halted.
A significant milestone in the company history was the year 1980 when it became a division of Paccar Inc and has started to build models with its new partner. The last truck built by Foden and Paccar was named the Alpha and it was a cabover engine model powered by Cummins engines. The truck was sold in UK and New Zeeland until July 2006 when the company retired from truck production.
The Foden Alpha had a pretty versatile nature and thanks to its flexible chassis and the wide range of axle configurations it was suited for various heavy duty applications.
At the moment, the company continues to supply spare parts and service for its old trucks throughout the UK.
The Foton Auman is the biggest truck built by the Chinese manufacturer. The truck’s main advantages are that it uses Mercedes-Benz technology for its chassis and is powered by a range of Cummins engines.
While the Chinese trucks are still seen with doubtful eyes by the truckers from all over the world, the Foton Auman could prove to be of a different breed thanks to its American engines and the German technology used for the chassis.
The Auman is offered with a wide choice of wheel base lengths which range from 3400 to 6000mm and has a gross combination mass of up to 45 tonnes. In order to meet a wide range of operational needs, the Foton Auman is offered in various models including tractor, platform, dump and other.
Mitsubishi’s range of heavy duty trucks received recently a host of upgrades which make it able to deal better with the competition. The truck received new engines, new transmissions and a host of useful features, most of them being based on Daimler’s products.
Thanks to the new upgrades, the Mitsubishi Fuso Heavy has made an important step forward, being closer to the requirements of today’s transport industry.
Mitsubishi’s Fuso Heavy range includes two models namely the FP and FV models. The trucks come with a choice of three diesel engines and with GCM (Gross Combination Mass) ratings between 40.000 – 58.000 kg.
UD’s trucks were never among the most technologically advanced models in their class, but they had a pretty flexible character and thanks to their rugged, robust and unpretentious configuration they’ve always had their place in the transport industry.
However, now we are leaving new times and the pretentions of the transport industry are bigger than ever. UD had do come up with a few improvements if it wanted to survive in this highly competitive segment and the main change was to introduce a host of new automatic transmissions.
The engines were also improved and now are meeting the Euro 5 emission norms. The 13 liter turbo diesel develops from 390 hp to 470 hp. The UD Quon range includes 4 models including the CW 26 400 rigid, and GK 17 400, GW 26 400 and GW 26 470 prime movers with GCM (gross combination mass) ratings between 40.000 and 70.000 kg.
Kenworth has a history of over 40 years on the Australian market and one of its best sold models was the K100. Over the years, the truck received continuous upgrades and the K100 evolved in the K200 model which is currently the only cab-over heavy duty model in Kenworth’s lineup.
The truck is offered with a choice of three cab versions and is powered by a Cummins ISC engine which develops between 485hp – 600 hp. For maximum flexibility, there are also available three axle configurations including 6x4, 8x4 and 10x6 models. Kenworth’s K200 truck can be built to a variety of wheelbases with components mounted on the frame to suit different needs.
The heaviest vehicle built by Hino is the 700 Series. The truck is around for some years now, but the newest version of Hino’s heavy duty model is starting to get closer and closer to its European rivals which currently set the standards in the cab-over engine segment.
The exterior design is still pretty basic, without having the potential to make any eyebrows rise in admiration, but what is going under the sheet-metal is what really counts, so most of the upgrades are starting to be observed only after you’ll fire the engine.
The Hino 700 is offered with a choice of different wheel base lengths that range from 4005 mm- 4575 mm and comes with GVMs (Gross Vehicle Mass) of up to 28.300 kg.
The Freightliner Argosy received a major upgrade in 2011 and features a new exterior style and a host of technical modifications. A few years ago, Freightliner decided to withdraw the truck from the US market, and focus especially on the Australian and South African markets.
Compared to the old generation the latest model is a major evolution, as besides the exterior and interior upgrades it also comes with a wider range of engines and transmissions which make it more versatile. Moreover, the truck is also fitted with a improved air management system along with a much larger radiator.
There are two engine options available for the Freightliner Argosy, namely the Detroit Diesel DD15 and Cummins ISX. The engines offer maximum outputs that can go up to 600 hp with 2050 lb-ft of torque.
Available in 90”, 101”, 110” midroof and 110” raised roof variants, the Argosy’s cabins offer a high level of versatility and are designed to cope with a wide range of road missions. The new generation Freightliner Argosy is also available in 6x4 and 8x4 versions and can be rated up to 140 tonnes GCM (gross combination mass).
Heavy duty trucks are the strongest “weapons” of any truck manufacturer and they are usually equipped with powerful engines and an ultra resistant frame which serves as a reliable base for the arduous jobs of the vehicle.
In Hyundai’s lineup, the heavy duty league is represented by the HD range of trucks which are available with a plethora of engines, suspensions and wheelbase lengths. All models share the same exterior design and the same interiors.
Thanks to its flexible character, Hyundai’s heavy duty HD series can take many forms and can be used as a Tractor, Dump, Concrete Mixer or Cargo. The Hyundai HD range is offered with a choice of 4x2, 6x2 or 8x4 axle configurations.
The Isuzu Gigamax is the biggest truck built by the Japanese manufacturer and was designed for heavy duty applications. The Gigamax has a cab over engine configuration which is usually typical for the European trucks and comes with a gross combination mass (GCM) of up to 70 tones.
The truck is sold globally and incorporates Isuzu’s latest technologies being equipped with strong and torquey Euro V diesel engines which develop between 415 and 510 hp. Isuzu was always appreciated for its proven reliability and the Gigamax makes no exception offering a standard 3 years or 500.000 kilometer warranty.
The International ProStar is an aerodynamic class 8 long haul truck designed to deal with heavy payloads and thousands of miles. The truck has a 6x4 or 4x2 axle configuration and is available with a choice of either Day or Sleeper cabs. The truck competes against models like the Kenworth T700, Freightliner Cascadia or Peterbilt 587.
The international ProStar is available with a choice of three MaxxForce engines that are combined with an aerodynamic design and a few efficient technologies to offer one of the lowest fuel consumption levels in the segment.
The Western Star 4900 and 4800 were designed with power and versatility in mind. The trucks come with various options available which made them perfectly suited for a wide range of applications, starting with long hauls missions and finishing with vocational jobs.
The trucks are available in five configurations with both Day and Sleeper cabs and also with either set forward or set back axles and conventional or double steer configurations. Under the hood, the Western Star 4900 can be equipped with a choice of Detroit Diesel or Cummins engines which can develop up to 600 hp.
The Kenworth T700 is basically an improved version of the old T2000 model. The truck features a conventional cab configuration with an aerodynamic design and was engineered to offer maximum performances for long haul and regional operations.
TheKenworth T700 is available with both Day and Sleeper cabs and offers acres of space inside and a good ergonomy. The overall build quality is also good and the truck is among the most reliable units in its segment. The power comes from a Paccar MX engine which develops up to 485 hp and up to 1,750 lb-ft of torque.
The International 9900 is a class 8 heavy duty truck build for long haul or high way operations. The truck features a rugged design with a conventional cab configuration and is available with both single and sleeper cab options.
The International 9900 comes with a long list of engines and suspensions which makes it pretty flexible to customer’s needs. With gross vehicle weight ratings between 46,000 – 60,600 lbs. the truck can also deal with almost any payload without too much fuss. There are three engines available for the International 9900 including the MaxxForce 9, 11 and 13 units.
In the latest years the concern for lower drag coefficients and aerodynamic shapes has started to receive more attention than ever and given the continuously rising fuel costs there is no wonder why.
One of the most aerodynamic trucks from the road is the Kenworth T660 which was designed with a slippery shape that defies the air and offers a better fuel economy.
The Kenworth T660 is available with both single and sleeper cabs and is equipped with a range of capable MX engines which develop between 380 – 485 hp.
The Pinnacle is the biggest truck build by Mack and was especially designed for long haul applications. The Mack Pinnacle was built on the company’s Advantage lightweight chassis which gives it a strong character and generous payload capacities.
The truck features a very comfortable interior and is available with both single and sleeper cab configurations. For enhance versatility, the Mack Pinnacle also offers the possibility of removing the sleeper box of its sleeper models.
The truck is available in axle forward and axle back configurations and is offered with a choice of strong and efficient MP engines.
The International TranStar is a 8 Class heavy duty truck designed for regional haul and city urban delivery applications. The truck features an aerodynamic design with a conventional cab configuration and the most spacious interior in its class.
The International TranStar line includes two different models namely the 8500 and 8600. The truck is available with both Day and Extended cabs and is powered by MaxxForce 11 or MaxxForce 12 engines.
For an enhanced flexibility, the International TranStar is also fitted with International’s programmable Diamond Logic electrical system which allows for automation of headlights, suspension dump valve, air slide fifth wheels, power door locks and more.
Great Dane, the well known trailer manufacturer, opened a new production plant in Statesboro (US). The new facility is equipped with the latest technologies in the business (robotic welding, automated production processes, computer-controlled foaming operations and an optimized material handling systems) and covers an area of 450,000 sq ft.
The company said that the main product to be built at the new facility is the new line of Everest refrigerated trailers including the TL and CL models. Great Dane added that the plant is able to produce more than 5,000 trailers annually, when is running at full capacity.
Talking about the new facility, Great Dane’s president & CEO Bill Crown said: “This building reflects the diligence and focus of countless individuals over the past two years, working together toward this day in some of the most difficult economic times we can remember. Just as Great Dane has set the standard for excellence with our products over the past century, this plant sets a new standard for cutting-edge manufacturing and efficiency. We are proud that it will serve as a model of the most technologically advanced, environmentally sound production practices in the world.”
For the beginning, the new Great Dane Statesboro plant will work with only one production line which will be followed by a second line and a second shift later in 2012.
The vocational truck market is highly competitive as the manufacturers try to continuously improve their models in order to keep the truckers satisfied. But apart from the engines, chassis and payloads which play a major role in the trucking industry, there is one thing that is more important than anything else. And that’s the vehicle’s reliability.
Volvo was always appreciated for two things, namely the safety and reliability of its vehicles. This is why the company continues to play a major role on the vocational market as its VHD model is one of the most appreciated and strong built trucks in its segment.
The truck is available in two versions including the VHD Standard and the VHD 430 which is available with both Day and Sleeper cab configurations.
The Coronado is Freightliner’s traditional on-highway truck and features an aerodynamic design, a spacious cab and a wide range of powerful engines. In the last years, the truck has been continuously improved as Freightliner added a host of advanced technologies and a wide range of enhancements to make it able to go head to head with success against the other trucks in the segment.
The Freightliner Coronado is suited for a wide area of applications such as local or single-trailer distributions or major B-double line haul jobs. The engines available for Freightliner’s rig are either the Detroit Diesel DD15 or Cummins ISX units with power options ranging from 485-600 hp.
The Freightliner Coronado is priced around $120.000 and is available in three cab versions (Day, Extended and Sleeper) with four heights configurations.
The Volvo FM was developed for regional transports and it was completely redesigned in 2010 when it received a few exterior changes, a fresh engine lineup and a host of new interior features. Over the years Volvo has managed to gain a good reputation thanks to its reliability and the strong build quality, but the new FM moves this heritage even further with a lot of useful improvements and good fuel efficiency.
The FM is offer six cab models naming the Day Cab, Sleeper Cab, Low Sleeper Cab, Globetrotter, Globetrotter LXL and Fire engine Crew Cab. The truck’s versatility is also represented by the wide range of axle configurations - 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 4x4, 6x6, 8x2, 8x4 – available for both rigid and tractor versions.