Kevin Swallow
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As a standalone figure, the 26-tonner bears out quite well and the fuel figures for the A-road and motorway match data from previous tests.
The Iveco Stralis AT260S33 performed marginally better on the motorway section through day one, but was equally at home over the varied sections that make up the return leg. For the long haul, specifying the 325hp mid-range engine from the Cursor 8 line-up won’t be a risk.
The power and torque ratio to 26 tonnes will even out journey times regardless of the terrain and the transmission, even without guidance from the driver.
While it’s unlikely a 26-tonner will replace an artic like-for-like (unless it’s a drawbar), it does provide enough food for thought to meet specific tasks within a mixed fleet.
Operationally, a 26-tonner should deliver better fuel economy with payload down about 66% compared with a 40-tonne artic and 60% with a 44-tonner. The Stralis AT260S33, complete with a High Roof cab, won’t be a common sight compared to day cabs and low-roof sleepers, but the driver should experience all the room and comfort of a proper tramping truck.