Low Scania on demand J t o h l r o o d u a gh so t r h t e s
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• Scania could bring in a righthand-drive version of its lowheight tractive unit if current UK trials prove there is demand for a right-hooker.
Following the showing of its R113-360 MW low-height tractor at the recent 1RTE show (CM 21-27 May) at Telford, Scania (Great Britain) has been engaged in extensive operator trials with the left-hand-drive show tractor with both international and domestic hauliers.
The two-axle unit is specifically intended for use with 100m3 capacity "Megacube" semi-trailers — but within the 4.0m continental height limit while providing a 3.0m interior height in the trailer. The IRTE show tractor has been adapted by Beers — Scania's Dutch importer — and has a low-profile chassis giving a 960mm fifth wheel height on drive-axle air suspension but with conventional 295/70 tyres and standard brakes.
Scania (Great Britain) has already made some modifications to its left-hooker demonstrator, based on operator feedback.
These include the fitting of a longer slimmer tank and reworked exhaust to provide maximum clearance on ferry ramps. Other changes planned include revising the rear mudwings and the front step.
Although the most likely cus tomer for the R113-360 MW tractor will be TIR operators, who will prefer a left-hooker, Scania says it will offer a righthand-drive version for domestic hauliers "if the demand is high enough."
Scania reports a small, but growing interest in low-height chassis among volume-sensitive operators of both artics and drawbars.