Truck tractor - design and application features

Many road users encountered trucks along the route. Not everyone understands that the cabin of such vehicles is called a truck tractor. A trailer with a load is attached to it. This is a unique modern invention that is simply irreplaceable in the process of transporting large loads. The very first truck tractors appeared during the advent of steam engines. Essentially, this is a self-propelled trackless vehicle that is designed to tow various types of trailers, as well as semi-trailers. In addition, using a tractor, you can move various non-self-propelled vehicles for general construction and agricultural purposes.

Important! In winter, you can attach special drags or sleds to the tractor. With their help, you can easily tow various emergency vehicles, bulky oversized cargo, equipment and aircraft.

Advantages and features of tractors

Modern semi-trailer tractors are characterized by the fact that, by their design and advantageous features, they are initially designed to work with long-length semi-trailers. Among the main design features and factors are:

1. Easy to attach a load using a hitch or saddle.
2. Ability to transport heavy and oversized cargo.
3. Versatility - the most powerful tractor can be used in different conditions and for a variety of purposes.
4. In the process of transporting cargo, the new tractor is firmly connected to the trailer, taking on part of the transported cargo.

Modern new truck tractors are very similar in design to a load-carrying plate, which has a single or double degree of freedom. They also have a special angular slot that passes through the coupling pin. It is this that provides a reliable clutch device, and also serves as an important axis of fracture during the turning process.

Owner reviews

Finding a description and characteristics of a vehicle is easy. There are a lot of reviews on the Internet about truck tractors on various portals.

For example, a video presentation, as well as photos:

Drivers may treat each brand differently, because the truck is required to perform different types of transportation. Reviews allow you to find out the design features and hear real facts about the car.

Here are models from different drivers' favorite brands:

1. MAN:
   TGXK;
2. TGA;
3. TGS;
4. TGL;
5. TGM;
6. TGS www.
7. Scania:
   P;
8. G;
9. R.
10. Volvo:
    FM;
11. FH;
12. FH16;
13. FL;
14. F.E.
15. DAF series:
    45;
16. 55;
17. 65;
18. 75 and 85.
19. Mercedes:
    Actros;
20. Atego;
21. Axor;
22. Antos

Each of the listed trucks might not suit the owner in some way: size, equipment, depreciation, position of mirrors, and even top or rear view. But with the advent of new models, it becomes more difficult to name favorites.

According to reviews from experienced drivers, it is noted that the European type of tractors is more convenient due to the lack of a hood. The main factor is, of course, the amount of cargo that the vehicle plans to transport. But it’s worth paying attention to cross-country ability in a particular area and resistance to sudden temperature changes.

Main types of tractors

The tractor unit is available in two main modifications. European and American models are very popular. Both types are completely identical in the basic principle of operation, as well as in the features of the external structure, only in technical characteristics they differ slightly from each other. To characterize the device from a technical point of view, it is worth considering the technical characteristics inherent in the bulk of such cars:

American cars are equipped with a special high-quality hood, which is made of plastic, as well as synthetic and chemical fibers. European ones come with steel cabins, and their design is more compact. Americans have drum wheels, Europeans, as a rule, have disc wheels. Both types of modern cars are equipped with standardized rims.

The most popular at the moment are European cars; they are equipped with special underrun bars, which, in turn, serve as protection against small-sized vehicles from falling under the device of a semi-trailer in a certain situation. European ones are equipped with an on-board network, which produces a voltage slightly higher than American ones, it is 24 Volts.

Important! The bulk of American cars are divided into heavy and medium. As for European ones, they are produced clearly differentiated.

Difference between European and American

American tractors.

The difference is in the dimensions and location of the engine.

Difference between European and American truck:

1. The first has a metal cabin without a hood, the second type is made with it.
2. The European ones have disc brakes, while the American ones have drum brakes.
3. The EU type has two bridges, the US type has three or more.
4. American-style trucks do not have underrun bars, which prevent passenger cars from entering the space under the semi-trailer while driving.
5. European heavy trucks are more maneuverable. They have a smaller turning radius. “Americans” will simply get stuck on roundabouts.

Advantages and disadvantages of tractors

Truck tractors are characterized by a whole list of different advantages. They are the ones who distinguish cars more favorably from other cargo vehicles. Among the most important advantages are:

• The presence of fifth-wheel couplings that will allow you to transport cargo in long trailers;
• Ideal ratio of cargo weight and load capacity;
• Ensuring low cost of cargo transportation;
• Ideal maneuverability.

On modern truck-type tractors, if desired, you can reverse without any problems, which cannot be done, for example, on conventional trucks. If necessary, the semi-trailer can be transported to the warehouse using it, then the cargo is transported using a conventional tug. Along with numerous advantages, some fifth wheel machines are characterized by some disadvantages. They are slightly inferior to standard trucks in terms of stability. In addition, they are difficult to operate without attached semi-trailers.

Application of truck tractors

Modern tractor units are the most popular cargo transport equipment. If you purchase devices from well-known global manufacturers, you can get the highest quality vehicle that embodies optimal efficiency, durability and high power levels.

Thanks to the use of the most modern progressive technologies in the production process, the cars are comfortable during operation. They are simply irreplaceable when transporting cargo of various volumes over long and medium distances. Among the advantageous features of using these vehicles, it can be noted that various types of cargo can be transported without any problems. The heavy tractor can be used with semi-trailers of the following categories:

1. Tipper.
2. Refrigerated.
3. Isothermal.
4. Awning.

A huge variety of semi-trailer tractor configurations makes it possible to easily choose the ideal option for any job performed. Not only the trailer can be different, but also the gearboxes and suspension control system. The electronic system is also at its best.

Types of truck tractors

These vehicles are reliable, they perfectly cope with any cargo transportation tasks assigned to them. The advantage is that high technical characteristics are not influenced by such unfavorable factors as summer heat, off-road conditions, and low temperatures. At the height there is a high level of environmental friendliness of the engine, which is able to provide minimal fuel consumption per flight. Without exception, all parts and components of modern units are wear-resistant. All this seriously reduces the daily costs of operating a car, which is what the choice of tractor is based on.

Leading manufacturers

Fourteen countries around the world own their own truck tractors. The most popular among truckers are Swiss Scania and Volvo, German Mercedes Benz and MAN, Dutch DAF and GINAF, Russian KamAZ, Ural, GAZ, Ukrainian KrAZ.

Previously, there was ZIL on the domestic market, which ceased production in 2013. Today, cars of this brand can be seen among drivers.

Russian

The most famous truck manufacturer is the KamAZ plant. The all-terrain KamAZ-441080 stands out especially. Vehicle power is 245 horsepower, all wheels are driven. The height of the car reaches three meters, the width is two and a half, and the length is almost nine. Maximum load – up to 10 tons.

The KamAZ-5410 truck tractor was produced for 30 years. It is adapted for any climate and roads, and was considered almost all-terrain. At that time, the TS managed to prevail among all trucks on the Russian market.

Drivers also use minivans to transport small vehicles. A prominent representative is VIS-23454 with a semi-trailer model 910500. The tonnage of the structure is up to 8 tons.

Foreign

The MAZ automobile plant in Minsk has been producing heavy trucks of various types for decades. The quality of the vehicle has improved since the start of cooperation with the German MAZ-MAN. The structures are easy to maintain. Control is effortless and the cabin dampens vibrations while driving.

Volvo and Scania are especially popular. Vehicles are noted for their useful characteristics, long service life, and rare need for repairs. The cars are maneuverable and passable. The vehicle's carrying capacity reaches 40 tons.

Mercedes is popular for its passenger cars. It is also a leader in the production of cargo vehicles, including a tractor-trailer. Mercedes is the first to install an automated transmission in trucks. Manufacturers have also increased the operating time of the engine until the first repair - one million kilometers.

Among German truck tractors, the FAUN SLT stands out for its power. The tank transporter is capable of carrying up to five hundred tons. The movement of the structure takes place along a route previously established and agreed upon by the authorities.

The Dutch brand "Daf" is popular due to its large cabin. The Eurotruck is tall and roomy. However, there is a drawback. Russian drivers pay attention to the need for “inch” keys. Also, during the repair process, the cabin can recline to a maximum angle of 45 degrees.

"Foton Auman" is a well-known product of a Chinese company. According to reviews, it resembles Ford models. Heavy and medium vehicles, the total weight of which ranges from 12 to 50 tons. Vans are sold in Russia.

In 2022, Renault Trucks celebrated its 125th anniversary with the release of a unique limited edition truck, the T High 1894 Edition. Only 125 vehicles will be sold in Europe. The price of a car starts from 50 thousand dollars.

Summing up

Tractor-trailers from well-known manufacturers are characterized by easy maintenance. Repair work can be carried out at any service station. All this ensures guaranteed high-quality and at the same time fast repair of machines, even if it is necessary to replace spare parts. The truck tractor of this class is distinguished by the most thoughtful modern design solution. External data and technical characteristics are able to satisfy the requirements of all modern buyers. Truck tractors with semi-trailers from well-known companies are role models all over the world.