News

The arrival of MAN's 680hp V8 TGX tractor - said by MAN to be the most powerful series production truck in the world - has highlighted the demand for extremely high-power tractors, not least in the UK. At the V8 ride-and-drive event in Cologne last week CM was told that orders from German hauliers has exceeded all expectations. This is in marked contrast to Daf's decision to delay launching a 560hp version of its MX engine for the XF105 the most powerful MX is currently rated at 510hp.

Daf UK marketing director Tony Pain says as we move towards Euro-5/6 the top priority for the Anglo-Dutch manufacturer is the environment rather than outright power. However, he promises that the 560hp MX will eventually join the options list.

Industry sources suggest that Daf's approach is a truer reflection of UK demand for top-power tractor units. Of the 5,679 tractors registered in the UK this year only 3% (169 units) were rated at 500-550hp and only 2.1% (108 units) boasted more than 550hp. Many of these were destined for Special Types work rather than general haulage. Daf and Volvo  are believed to share pole position in the 501-550hp class, while Scania leads the 550hp-plus sales league with its 630hp V8 R Series.

MAN will reveal its UK TGS/TGX model line-up later this month. It will be interesting to see if MAN thinks it worth developing a right-hand-drive version of the mighty V8 tractor, or whether its UK importer will simply offer the 680 as a left-hooker to international operators and as a special chassis for heavy haulers.