TIPPER CHASSIS SPEC-CHECK
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• In the eight wheeler sector unladen chassis weights of over 9 tonnes are not unusual the average for this class of vehicle is now about 8.5 tonnes. The power norm in this sector is now around 200 kW (270 hp) and 225 kW (300 hp) or more is not uncommon.
Similarly in the three axle tipper chassis sector available power levels are considerably higher than ever before. More powerful engines in chassis of greater sophistication have also seen higher unladen weights in this sector.
At the top end of the two axle sector manufacturers are adopting different approaches to 17 tonne chassis. Some such as 1veco Ford, ERF, and Seddon Atkinson have taken a "belt and braces" approach, retaining 16.26 tonne chassis alongside the new 17 tonners. Others, like Leyland DAF, Scania, MAN, Mercedes, Renault and Volvo have virtually abandoned the 16.26 tonner, concentrating instead on 17 tonners.
No manufacturer, apart from Iveco Ford offers catalogue 22.36 tonne gvw chassis. Factory 6x2 chassis designated for tipper operation are also only offered by this manufacturer. In the four axle category the 8x2 tipper designated configuration is now only available from Volvo. No manufacturer now lists as standard any eight wheeler tipper chassis grossing less than 30.49 tonnes.
Some manufacturers list chassis specifically designated for tipper operation. In the case of these manufacturers, only those chassis so designated have been listed. Where the chassis manufacturer does not specifically designate chassis for tipper operation then only the shortest wheelbase/rear overhang versions have been listed in this table.
The information in this survey has been prepared by Truckspec Limited, 172 Foresters Drive, Wallington, Surrey (tel. no. 01-645 9312/01-969 9788).