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Trying to save money, many consumers opt for cheap brands and models, forgetting about their liquidity on the secondary market. To ensure that such a decision is not erroneous, in this review I will try to note which cars are more suitable for local business tasks, and which vehicles are needed specifically for the provision of cargo transportation services, i.e., are more suitable for harsh operating conditions.
One of the promising options for using the KAMAZ-4308 chassis
Our everything: new and old
Almost a decade and a half of conveyor life have not brought much popularity to the small KAMAZ-4308 and the “Zubrenok” MAZ-4370 and MAZ-4371; the situation has not been greatly improved by the imported Cummins and ZF units that have settled in them, and the Moscow-made “Bychok” even today died in death, but in 2015, about 15 copies of the “big brother” ZIL-4331 were still manufactured to order.
The veteran GAZ-3307 is still in some demand, mainly as a chassis for budget municipal vehicles, for local transport or rural transport. But last year, this sleepy segment of the domestic truck market was blown up by a bomb called GAZon-NEXT. No one expected the model to go! Moreover, medium-tonnage bonneted trucks today are built only in South and North America. Even metropolitan carriers, spoiled by imported equipment, are willing to purchase new products. A large selection of modifications contributes to stable demand: wheel and tire sizes, variability in wheelbase length, and even a version in the form of a truck tractor.
However, I don’t think that there will be a long line of customers lining up for such an exotic road train, but a serious approach to business and the market is evident, this Nizhny Novgorod model has a future. In general, the main asset of Russian trucks is their low price, affordable spare parts, high standardization and ease of repair and maintenance, including on their own, on their own.
"GAZON-NEXT" poses both solo and in the form of a truck tractor with a semi-trailer with a load capacity of 7 tons
Top 3 large-tonnage trucks
The category of heavy trucks is the most in demand and popular in the world. Such special equipment transports the lion's share of large cargo over long distances, providing transport logistics around the world.
No. 1: MAN TGS
The most popular in this category is MAN, despite the fact that this model is much more expensive than competitors' models in the same segment. However, the MAN TGS has a power of up to 480 hp and is equipped with a modern electronic braking and stabilization system, as well as other systems that allow cargo to be delivered to its destination in complete safety in bad road conditions, which is very valuable for business.
No. 2: MAZ-5440
The second place is occupied by a Belarusian-made tractor, which was developed in collaboration with the MAN company, this allowed MAZ to compete at a level with foreign-made trucks. The MAZ-5440 is equipped with a 250 horsepower engine, and has gained popularity for its reliability and affordability.
No. 3: KamAZ-6520
In third place is the legendary KamAZ with a load capacity of 20 tons. This model is used in various fields, from mining dump trucks and truck cranes, to garbage collection and vehicle towing.
Europe
The thoroughbred DAF LF, Mercedes-Benz Atego, Antos, MAN TGL and Volvo FL are good for everyone, if not for the price.
Today in Russia only large corporate parks can afford such equipment, using the individual offer of the supplier and good leasing. Sometimes private owners pamper themselves with exquisite trucks, for whom this is the meaning of life and the only car, but there are few of them. Therefore, making a decision to purchase such equipment from new requires careful consideration of the specifications. The same Antos (see “GP” No. 2, 2013) from Daimler AG has simply countless design options: for the city and the highway, especially for light, heavy loads (VOLUMER or LOADER), especially for a long arm, etc. etc. Add to all this a dozen suspension options, wheelbase heels and the same number of cab height options with two width options.
The Mercedes-Benz Atego 1222L has an option especially for Russia - a sleeping place - which can become an alternative to long-haul tractors that fall under the Platon category.
Competitors, however, are in no way inferior; Renault and Volvo alone have a dozen solutions for power units and automatic transmissions (see “GP” No. 11, 2013), and MAN is generally ready to build a car for your individual order.
DAF demonstrated last year a duo of a special super-efficient chassis and an aerodynamic “humpback” van with three possible cab options: a Day Cab and a Sleeper Cab. There is also an extended day version with Extended Day Cab.
IVECO Eurocargo has been touching the hearts of European people for years in a row, winning new titles and sympathy, while Swedish Scania does not build cars with a gross weight of less than 10 tons, and confidently flashes not only on European autobahns, but also on our roads, which indicates a number of its advantages. Conclusion: if you spend money, do it wisely!
Volvo FL 812 4x2 R is offered with a huge range of options, configurations and modifications
Don’t scoop up stale goods with a symbolic discount, but select a transport solution specifically for your scenario, and if you buy a car from stock, then bargain until the best price. The Big Seven vehicles are the most expensive you can buy, but they are equally good as a chassis for a mobile laboratory, aerial platform or tow truck, or as an everyday van or flatbed with a CMU. Long service intervals, decent equipment and high reliability of such equipment make it possible to easily ensure work over long hauls, in long-distance and international transportation.
The secondary market for used European trucks will make it possible to sell such vehicles relatively quickly when the time comes for the next fleet renewal.
Italian IVECO Eurocargo tries out a superstructure for utility needs
Top 3 light-duty trucks
The category of light trucks, whose weight limit is 1.5 tons, is divided into classes such as minivans, vans, pickups, compact, city and medium trucks. This segment of light-duty equipment is the most purchased in the world.
#1: Volkswagen Crafter
The VW Crafter ranks first among the best light-duty vans; it has the widest range of body types and wheelbases. Can perform special purposes, for example: tow truck, crane, minibus, etc. The most powerful power unit has a volume of 2 liters (163 l/s).
#2: Ford Transit
The second place is occupied by the Ford Transit, and is one of the most popular light-duty vehicles in the world. Also available in the format of a van, a pickup truck with one or two rows of doors, a minibus, a grocery refrigerator, and a classic truck.
No. 3: GAZ-3302 and GAZelle Next
Gazelle is still the most popular light-duty vehicle in Russia, and occupies an honorable third place in the ranking. In addition to the cargo Gazelle, there is a choice of GAZ-3302 in the format of a pickup truck, van and grocery refrigerator. The popularity of this car is due to the fact that, due to its relatively low cost and good power, it allows novice businessmen to start their own business with minimal costs for freight transportation.
Proven Asia
I include vehicles from Japan and South Korea in this group of trucks. They are united by a simpler design compared to European trucks, hence the more affordable price.
“Samurai” Hino from the Land of the Rising Sun have long been tested in the “right-handed” version by our Far Eastern drivers. They simply adore these machines for their remarkable endurance, strength and durability. The certified carrying capacity for Hino (see “GP” No. 10, 2014; No. 12, 2011) is only a formality, because some transport workers in practice double its value, managing to cover at least a million labor kilometers. And it doesn’t matter that the ceiling in the cabin is low, and the engine tunnel, on the contrary, is a manual transmission, and instead of “climate” there is a simple air conditioner, the air supply from which is regulated by simple valves, and the steering column is locked with a tight, heavy lever. But this is a real breadwinner truck, albeit an ascetic at heart. Japan!
One of last year's bestsellers on the Russian market - Hino 500 51226 GD8JMTA-QHR
Many Isuzu brand followers will say the same about their favorite brand. They even look similar, and the cabins are always white...
South Korean Hyundai is also deservedly popular here; the first officially sold trucks appeared in 2004, and today they are so familiar and recognizable in traffic, as if they had been driving along our streets all their lives along with classic Zhiguli cars. The HD-65, HD-72, HD-78 family is sometimes called “Korean lawns” - they are so simple and repairable.
The faithful hard worker Isuzu CYZ remains almost unchanged over the years and, as statistics show, is in great demand
By the way, their most “evil” competitor is the Japanese Mitsubishi-Fuso Canter assembled in Naberezhnye Chelny (see “GP” No. 5, 2014), the production of which in Russia was delayed for some time, but was resumed at the end of last year. Among the heavier Korean trucks, the HD-120 and HD-170 have taken root well in our country (see “GP” No. 5, 2012). Behind the external simplicity and appearance that has changed little over 12 years, there is a thoroughly modernized filling: the first cars were only the second environmental class with a mechanical power system and fuel injection pump, and now they have already reached the fifth, and everything is grown-up and honestly: Common Rail, EGR , particulate filter. Hyundai cars are unpretentious, reliable and practical, perfect for delivery work, they will also carry standard special superstructures (platforms, tow trucks, aerial platforms, mobile laboratories), but are of little use for “long-range combat” due to the cramped and quickly cold cabin with primitive seats , an overly simple transmission with a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox and a chassis with bouncy leaf spring suspension.
Very simple and reliable Hyundai HD-170: interesting price/quality ratio
