Freight transportation plays an important role in the life of the country, ensuring the success of most companies. Company owners, before buying a truck, decide on its further purpose, and on the basis of this they decide whether to buy a new one or a used one, but the main selection criteria are its characteristics, price and reliability. Both domestic and imported models are extremely popular on the Russian market.
Naturally, a new truck, especially from a well-known foreign manufacturer, will cost much more, but at the same time the owner receives a high-quality truck that will not require large expenses for repair work for many years, and what’s more, a warranty for several years. In addition, a new vehicle can favorably highlight the company’s status in the market.
Depending on the future use of the vehicle, it may make more sense to buy a used truck. However, in the end, such an acquisition can bring a lot of disappointment in the process of further operation.
The truck market in the Russian Federation is growing
Basically, the primary market for trucks in the Russian Federation is growing only in large cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, and others. In cities with a population of up to 500,000 people, the market for used trucks is better developed - more than 70% of all sales of heavy equipment.
The most powerful and reliable trucks in the world
Heavy highway trucks coupled to a semi-trailer have long become a symbol of a special auto subculture. They differ greatly from each other depending on the continent or the country where they carry out their difficult work shift, and their owners spend fabulous sums on tuning and improving them. However, even a non-professional can easily distinguish an Australian super-heavy tractor from a chrome-plated American beauty and from a cabover European, stuffed with the latest fashion electronics. Dear readers, our article today will focus on the best examples of heavy equipment.
Popular foreign trucks
As for imported trucks, despite their significantly high price, the vehicles have more advanced technical equipment, as well as an attractive appearance.
Popular tractors for work in Russia
When thinking about the question of which tractor to choose for work in Russia, it is worth noting that among foreign trucks on the domestic market, the most popular are European-made models:
- Mercedes-Benz
- Scania
- Volvo
- Renault
By and large, they are all equally reliable. Often the main factor when choosing a manufacturer is the price of the truck itself and the cost of maintaining a particular option.
The newest trucks in the world are equipped with the latest technology, but you can meet them on the vastness of Russian roads in extremely rare cases. One of these are American Mack trucks, as well as similar brands of American trucks and other countries with highly developed automotive industries.
Best American Truck
Scania 3 series
The Scania 3-Series is one of the best trucks of the era today. It was produced by a Swedish company from 1987 to 1997 in collaboration with. The 3 Series of this truck was equipped with a wide range of engines and different transmissions. A potential buyer could choose from an assortment ranging from a 6-liter engine with a power of 230 hp. and ending with a 14-liter V8 engine with an output of 500 hp. and with almost 1600 Nm of torque. There were also versions with different types of layout, namely: hood and hoodless layout, aimed at customers from different continents of the planet. Thanks to cooperation with its creators, it was possible to achieve good aerodynamics, which had a positive effect on the efficiency of the car itself.
Mercedes-Benz NG (New generation)
A series of trucks from Mercedes-Benz with the NG index were produced for quite a long time, from the beginning of 1973 to 1988. During production, this series of machines underwent constant modernization, but the most significant of them was carried out in 1985. The range of engines for trucks consisted of a wide range, starting from a naturally aspirated V6 with a power of 192 hp. and ending with a V10 turbocharged diesel engine with a displacement of 18 liters and an output of 500 hp. The car also had many variants with different gearboxes, mainly ZF modifications, although other power units were also available, such as the Eaton-Fuller Routemaster. Both medium-duty and heavy-duty versions of trucks were produced and produced, and the Serbian at one time produced a truck model under an official license and this continued until last year.
Trucks for construction
Almost each of the previously described trucks has modifications for construction needs. Of the domestic vehicles in construction terms, KamAZ trucks are the most in demand. Domestic concrete mixers can be found at almost every construction site.
As for foreign models, construction modifications of Volvo and Iveco trucks are most in demand in Russia.
And yet it’s quite difficult to say that other trucks are in some way inferior in quality. Basically, the popularity of a particular model is determined by advertising. You can also choose a reliable truck for light or medium loads, one made in China. One of the well-established manufacturers on the Russian market is FAW.
Kenworth W900
This car has become truly legendary, since its production by Kenworth (a subsidiary of the Paccar group) began back in 1961 and continues to this day. This truck appeared in numerous feature films, the most famous of which was the film “Smokey and the Bandit.” Over its 55-year history, it received many different facelifts, and at the same time an improved aggregate base. Like most American trucks, the W900 offers a huge variety of different engines from different manufacturers, such as Caterpillar, Cummins and Detroit Diesel. In the maximum version, its power is 625 hp, and this engine is paired with an 18-speed gearbox. Buyers are offered many different options, both with various add-ons and sleeping compartments. Its load capacity also varies, which can reach 24 tons per axle.
Volvo F-Series Volvo F16 470 Globetrotter
The Volvo F series of trucks was produced from 1977 to 1993, and the total volume of their production over 16 years amounted to about 200 thousand units. This truck has become famous for its abundance of innovative solutions, such as excellent driver ergonomics and a very high level of safety, and its reliability has long been legendary. It was produced with supercharged diesel engines with a displacement of 10, 12 or 16 liters. This series of machines has undergone two major modernizations during its production. The first was carried out in 1983, which resulted in the addition of a larger windshield and a taller roof. The second - in 1987 and included minor external changes and a 16-liter engine with 470 hp. Its main competitors in the market were Scania 2nd and 3rd series trucks, but the multi-ton Volvo turned out to be unattainable for them.
Load capacity
One of the key parameters when choosing a truck is its carrying capacity. The higher this indicator, the more efficient the machine's performance.
However, heavy-duty vehicles cannot be effective in urban environments, just as light-duty vehicles cannot be used for long-distance transportation. Therefore, you need to select equipment in accordance with the tasks.
According to the load capacity parameters, freight transport is divided into the following groups: light, medium-tonnage and heavy.
Lungs
These are machines with a carrying capacity of about 1.5 tons. The equipment has dimensions that are optimal for working in the city and is available in different modifications for the delivery of various cargoes.
Among domestic cars, the Gazelle can be distinguished; among foreign manufacturers, Toyota Hayes has proven itself well.
"Toyota" Hayes
Medium-duty
The equipment is suitable for intercity transportation of goods over short and medium distances (optimal radius 200-750 km). The vehicles are also available in several modifications of the cargo platform.
Among the manufacturers, we recommend paying attention to the brands IVECO, ISUZU, HINO. Load capacity parameters vary between 3-5 tons.
IVECO truck
Scania PRT-Range
This generation of trucks included the 4 Series models, as well as the newer 5, 6 and 7 Series models (5, 6 and 7-Series is an unofficial name, but it is used by fans of this brand of trucks to denote different generations). Production of the vehicles began in 1996 simultaneously with the cessation of production of 3 Series trucks. During this time, the design of cars has changed significantly, from straight lines and ending with corners to smooth, smooth shapes.
See also: MAZ truck will go to Europe
Engine options include 9-, 11-, and 12-liter turbocharged inline-sixes, as well as 14- and 16-liter turbocharged V8s. One of the ergonomic features of this truck is the design of the false radiator grille, which can be used (if necessary) as a ladder to facilitate access to the windshield.
Throughout the entire production cycle, this series of trucks underwent major modernization three times. The first, carried out in 2005, included the introduction of completely new cabins, interiors and some technical advances, while retaining about 2/3 of the parts from previous models. The second modernization was in the nature of a facelift and affected the appearance and interior of the truck cabin. In 2010, a new 16.4-liter engine with 730 hp was introduced into the car. with a torque of 3500 Nm, which made this Scania R730 the most powerful truck, and only in 2011 this record was broken when the Volvo FH16 750 was born. The third such update of the series took place in August 2016. It included the new S-series cabover with a completely new design, which was developed jointly with Porsche.
Domestic trucks
As a rule, small companies or private entrepreneurs do not need to purchase expensive imported trucks. It is more advisable to give preference to high-quality Russian trucks. Domestic manufacturers of trucks have always enjoyed strong popularity due to reliability, ease of maintenance, and the favorable cost of their models.
Many people have a stereotype that has developed over many years that Russian trucks, like the entire automotive industry as a whole, are of low quality, inconvenient in design, and generally unreliable. However, all this is already a thing of the past thanks to government support and the rapid development of truck manufacturers. Modern domestic freight vehicles can seriously compete with any foreign analogue in its class.
Mercedes-Benz SK (Schwere Class)
The Mercedes-Benz SK series of trucks was launched in 1989 as a successor to the previous NG series, and production itself continued until 1998. The SK series was built on an updated version of the NG chassis, although the cabs themselves looked very similar. With technological advancements such as ABS brakes, smart ergonomics and an electronically shiftable transmission, the SK Series is much more comfortable than the NG Series. The following power units were offered: a naturally aspirated V6 engine with a power of 220 hp. and the top model, which was equipped with a 15.1-liter V8 turbocharged engine with output of 530 hp. and with intercooler.
KamAZ – reliability proven over decades
The KamAZ truck manufacturer, popular both in Russia and abroad, has long proven itself to be the best. The reliability and quality of construction, which the company could boast of back in Soviet times, are today successfully complemented by modern technologies and design.
The KamAZ-5490 can rightfully be considered one of the most successful new developments. Of course, this is the most reliable tractor in Russia. The truck's cabin is based on the Mercedes Axor with a partially modified design.
Successful new development of KamAZ-5490
The twelve-liter engine provides a power of 428 hp, which can be paired with either a sixteen-speed manual transmission or a twelve-speed automatic transmission.
In 2022, the car was modified. The 5490 Neo modification has an extended wheelbase, reinforced front suspension, and a larger fuel tank. In the basic configuration, you can buy a KamAZ 5490 for 4,250,000 rubles.
In addition to the 5490 model, KamAZ offers quite a few other trucks for a variety of fields of activity. When a person is faced with the choice of a commercial vehicle for cargo transportation or construction work, preference is often given to this particular manufacturer.
Domestic trucks
Volvo FH Series
The Volvo FH series of trucks was launched in 1993 as a replacement for the former F series, which had been around for 16 years. At the moment, 3 updates have been made to the machine. New cabins with improved aerodynamics were introduced to improve fuel economy. This is the first heavy duty truck to be equipped with an airbag and where the cab doors can be opened even if the support legs in the vehicle are deformed by the 1 ton pendulum! This truck was equipped with completely new engines that were developed from scratch.
See also: New military trucks
In 1998, the truck underwent a facelift that included several cosmetic changes to the appearance of the cabin with many improvements to the electronic systems themselves, engine and transmission. In 2002, the car underwent a second modernization, which included a completely new cabin, a new I-Shift automatic transmission and many minor improvements to the engine design. In 2011, this FH16 750 entered production, and to this day it is the most powerful truck on the planet. In 2012, a new generation of vehicles with a new cabin and new engines that meet Euro IV environmental requirements was introduced into production. Engines are offered in three versions, namely: 12, 13 and 16-liter turbocharged.
Classification
The design of trucks directly depends on the field of application of the equipment. The most common are vehicles with an onboard platform, which are suitable for transporting any cargo.
However, there are models that are focused on the delivery of a certain type of cargo, which determines the scope of transport.
Based on body type, trucks are divided into the following categories:
- Semi-trailers. A popular means of transporting goods, allowing the platform to be loaded from any position.
- Refrigerators. Such vehicles are designed for transporting frozen and perishable goods over long distances. The peculiarity of the refrigerator is that you can adjust the temperature within +20/-25 degrees.
- Container ships. A platform adapted for transporting cargo containers is installed here.
- Tanks. The equipment is designed for the delivery of bulk or liquid cargo.
- Grain trucks. Machines are used in agriculture to deliver grain to places of processing or storage.
- Car transporters. A ramp is used here to safely transport pieces of equipment. A variation of this type of transport is a tow truck. These are compact and maneuverable vehicles that help clear city streets of illegally parked vehicles.
Such a variety of cargo transport allows you to solve almost any problem.
DAF XF
Production of this truck began in 1997, and its cab is the result of extensive wind tunnel testing to reduce fuel consumption. The DAF XF truck is equipped with 12.9-liter Inline-6 turbocharged engines with power ranging from 410 to 510 hp. The engines are combined with a 12-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission of the ZF system. There are 3 generations of these truck models: XF 95 - produced from 1997 to 2006 with an intermediate modernization in 2002, XF 105 - produced from 2006 to 2012 and XF 105 with a completely new cab design introduced in 2012.
As you can see, friends, our list today contains the most striking models of heavy trucks from leading European and American manufacturers. The main criterion for this choice was their popularity and wide distribution, as well as the worldwide fame of these truck tractors. They never had an outstanding design or any luxurious additional equipment, but it was these trucks that determined the current specifics of the entire trucking industry.
