Unsteered third for Scania's 6x2
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SCANIA has joined the ranks of manufacturers offering a 6x2 tractive unit for 38-tonnes gross but, unlike its competitors' models, the third axle is not steered, writes GRAHAM MONTGOMERIE.
The extra axle using single tyres is situated behind the drive axle and can be raised or lowered using the same electrohydraulic bogie lift available on Scania 6x2 tippers for some time.
The 6x2 configuration will be available for the P112 and R112 as well as for the R142.
The first chassis to be available will be the R112 with a 3.1m (10ft 21n) wheelbase which refers to the inner axle spread by the Scania definition, and a bogie spread of 1400mm (55in). This will be followed by a 2.85m (9ft 4in) wheelbase version with a bogie closed up to 1315mm (52in).
The wheelbase was reduced to make it easier to couple within 15.5m overall, a modification limited by propshaft angle while the reduction in bogie spread was to assist with swing clearance.
The 3.1m version will only be produced in limited numbers and is aimed mainly at operators using ISO trailers. It will be available in early May with the 2.85m version following in June/July to become the standard vehicle. This availability is at present limited by the Type Approval paperwork rather than by production restraints.
The kerb weight of the 3.1m R112 6x2 is 6,856kg (6 tons 15cwt) which includes oil, water and 20 litres of fuel but no driver or spare wheel. The weight of the P112 6x2 is expected to be just under 6.5 tonnes while the predicted weight for the R142 version is around seven tonnes.
Although the bogie lift is standard equipment, it can be deleted from the specification which reduces the kerb weight by 104kg (230Ib).
The 112 variants will have the option of the 208kW (280bhp) engine or the new charge-cooled version at 248kW (333bhp). With the V8 engine in the 142, the power options will be 290kW (388bhp) and 313kW (420bhp).
Scania originally carried out a survey on trailers currently in operation in the UK and identified 15 main neck profiles including those for tankers and tippers. With the Scania range at that time, it was estimated that only six of these profiles could be accommodated so the object of the exercise was to increase this proportion.
According to Scania's marketing manager Cliff Groves: "We knew from the start that we could not cover all trailers then neither can anyone else."
Scania has looked at the tv‘ steer configuration but reject, it for a variety of reasons inclu ing complication, weight pri and availability. This last fact is extremely critical. As 1 Groves explained: "How lot would it take us to produce twin steer if we had decided would make sense? Speed w important as the operator —
lother penalty of the twin
r is component crowding on chassis but then no three tractive unit is immune this problem. Fuel tank icity is a typical example. standard tank size for the is 380 litres (84 gal) corn!cl to the 400 litres (88 gal) — an extra 250 litres (55gal) on — for the 4x 2 equivalent.
le addition of these six 6x2 ants to the Scania 4x2 range gs the total number of 38le models to 10.
3 a guide to the (list) prices 2.85 R112 6x2 with sleeper and 333 horsepower engine
s £35,525.