Published: Commercial Motor, 31 Oct 2002
Payload Proudby: Kevin Swallow
Scania may not be the first manufacturer around the Scottish test route at 44 tonnes but it wins the gold medal for doing it with our shiny, new CM test trailer specced at 44 tonnes. What's even more important is that the test was done with a lightweight tractor and a test payload of just a couple of pallets shy of 30 tonnes. Operators running bulk haulage now read on...
Verdict
For operators running bulk haulage, kerbweight is crucial. At 44 tonnes a combination of higher payloads and consistent mpg is encouraging, especially if unscrupulous customers expect the extra payload for the same rates. A lightweight tractor like the R124 6x2 can make a diference even if only saving a few extra trips each year. And one further important issue for operators is that residuals for Scania's products are industry leading.
As for the driver, the comfort and driveability are as good as ever, and the lightweght option does not compromise the working space. Overall it produced a good result from the A68, it was only slightly down on the motorways and A-roads and, despite this, it more than equalled 41-tonne tests. With the extra weight as an added bonus and good fuel returns at 44-tonnes, the Scania R124 mid-lift will continue to be a firm favourite with those who control the purse strings.
Vehicle Specifications
Scania R124LA 6x2
| Fuel Consumption: | 7.5mpg(37.6lit/100km) |
| Average speed: | 70.6km/h |
| Gross weight as tested: | 44,000kg |
| Net payload: | 8,703kg |
| Price as tested: | £68,971(ex-VAT) |