• Weight is a major consideration for most vehicle operators,
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so several years ago DaimlerChrysler Research set out to develop a prototype tractive unit that would be a tonne Fighter than a comparable model of the then-current SIC
Simply refining conventional production techniques using lightweight materials would have saved no more than 400kg, so a radical approach was needed.
The solution was a tractor with an all-aluminium chassis, and a modular construction technique: the front of the chassis, including engine, suspension and cab mountings, is a single aluminium casting.
The rear subframe, mounting the suspension and the fifth wheel, is another alloy casting. The two castings are bolted to large aluminium extrusions, which have hollow sections to act as integral air reservoirs.
If the vehicle's wheelbase needs to be altered, longer or shorter extrusions are easily put in place and components shifted.
Other weight-saving features include a modified, all-aluminium Freightliner Argosy cab and impressive Michelin 495/45R22.5 wide-single drive tyres.