The Bauma show has witnessed the launch of an inline engine platform from Scania. 

Technical highlights include increased power density and longer service life.

In addition, Scania is promising the inline engine platform will ‘set a new standard’ for fuel efficiency.

Pär Olof Åhlin, product manager, power generation, Scania clarified the importance of the new products.

“This is our most fuel-efficient engine platform ever, with more torque, more power and up to 50% longer base engine lifespan,” he said.

Specifically, fuel efficiency had been improved thanks to an enhanced gas exchange system and reduced internal friction. Also, increased turbocharger efficiency played a major role.

“We want to empower a more sustainable future,” Åhlin added. 

“The leading position we have in trucks and buses now expands to industrial power.”

In real world terms, the 13-litre engine can achieve a fuel consumption improvement of up to 7%.

That figure is compared with the current generation at the same power output. 

In other words, four litres of diesel can be saved for each engine hour at full load.

A shift towards sustainability has definitely reached the construction segment, stated Scania. 

The company believes that as long as combustion engines are still in use, their climate impact should be improved. 

Therefore, the Swedish manufacturer is making big moves to decrease how engines affect the climate. 

“You will see this in the non-road mobile machinery and earth moving equipment powered by Scania. 

“And, it is truly obvious in our new engine platform,” said Mert Uzel, product manager – industrial at Scania.

Meanwhile, Scania brought a number of other products to the construction show.

For example, the company’s stand boasted its next generation 13-litre engine and EV-related solutions.

There was also the a possibility to experience the Next Generation 11-litre DC11 engine via augmented reality.

M&M Greene has invested in a flagship Actros L from Mercedes-Benz to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

The Carmarthenshire haulier’s latest addition has also had a special red paint job, therefore it is difficult to miss. 

Euro Commercials, which supplied the new truck, was originally using it for demonstration purposes.

However, when the Greene team took it to the Convoy Cymru truck show, they made an offer to buy it. 

The 2563 variant has a GigaSpace cab and is powered by a 625hp, 15.6-litre engine.

As expected with a flagship, the Actros L has a high specification when it comes to technology.

For example, it features MirrorCam, Active Brake Assist 5 emergency braking aid and the latest version of MB’s Predictive Powertrain Control.

 Meanwhile, there a numerous options added into the mix, such as a twin-screen dash display and automatic climate control.

The interior of the flagship Actros L needed to look the part, therefore it boasts aluminum and chrome trim.

A TV, DVD player and pull-out fridge are also included in the specification. 

M&M Greene vehicles are predominantly green, however, the new addition features metallic red paint and colour-coded bumpers. 

There’s also a black grille, roof-mounted light bars and Alcoa Dura-Bright alloy wheels.

The new flagship Actros L makes up part of a seven-strong fleet at M&M Greene.

Vehicle include give tractors and two rigids.

In addition to its latest Mercedes-Benz, the line-up includes 15- and 17-registered Actros units. 

An 8×4 Arocs 3245K tipper which is on a 16-plate also features, while another Actros L 2563 arrives in the new year.

Company director Mike Greene explained the high-spec trucks are nothing new. 

“The latest Actros L has a definite ‘Wow!’ factor, though, even by our own standards. 

“It ticks so many boxes on the options list and it looks fantastic.” 

Owner operator David Boylan has taken delivery of a flagship Volvo FH 540 Globetrotter 6×4 tractor unit. 

The vehicle has been specified to combine the highest levels of driver safety and comfort, while also improving operational efficiency. 

A Schmitz Cargobull tri-axle tipping trailer will be used with the truck, which is tasked with delivering sand, pebbles and crushed stone.

Boylan explained his decision to go with Volvo.

“Getting the best bang for your buck is vital in today’s climate,” he said. 

“Therefore, when it came to ordering a new truck, Volvo was the number one choice.” 

“The FH is already putting in strong performances day-to-day.

“The fuel economy gains we’ve seen versus the older truck it replaced have certainly helped.

Boylan left no stone unturned in refining his new truck’s specification. 

For example, he selected numerous Volvo option packages to create the best working environment. 

As a result, the flagship Volvo has a Globetrotter cab with Drive++ package, which includes desirable extras. 

There’s an electrically operated interior sun visor, as well as extended leather upholstery and electronic air-conditioning. 

Meanwhile, twin armrests and a media package with navigation ensures a premium onboard experience. 

The FH is powered by Volvo’s D13K 540hp Euro 6 Step E engine, which offers a maximum 2,600Nm of torque. 

Other features are included, for instance, include the Volvo Engine Brake, which boosts safety and reduces brake wear.

Another important addition is the Visibility+ pack, thereby adding in distinctive LED headlights that adapt to the conditions.

“The environments the truck is expected to perform in can be very difficult to navigate safely,” said Boylan. 

“Therefore, ensuring maximum visibility was a top priority when it came to settling on a final specification.” 

Concluding, Boylan said the flagship Volvo FH would cover 120,000km a year, working six days a week.

Three Volvo FM 500 6×2 tag axle tractor units have been ordered by food reprocessing business SugaRich. 

The trio will join a fleet that, until recently, traditionally ran with a rival manufacturer.

However, SugaRich chose Volvo because of the FM’s improved visibility and performance.

The trio of tag axle tractor units will deliver surplus food products to SugaRich’s seven reprocessing mills.

The trucks use Volvo’s D13K engine, which puts out 500hp and offers up to 2,500Nm of torque. 

The 44-tonne FMs are expected to clock-up roughly 200,000km a year for SugaRich.

Ryan Clay, national transport manager, SugaRich, admitted that aftersales support issues also played a part.

“We were keen to get a new marque on board to ensure we always had the back-up we needed,” he explained. 

“Therefore, Volvo was the obvious choice as it is a quality product. 

“We’ve also been impressed with the competitive price it was able to offer us.”

Continuing, Clay also singled out Volvo Truck and Bus Centre South & East for support.

“These new FMs are very impressive,” he said. 

“The updates to the interior and the cab have taken it up a level for sure. 

“We are confident that they will be more than a match for anything we have run before.” 

The three new trucks all feature a fully digital dashboard, which makes things safer for drivers. 

In other words, the 12in instrument display and a smaller side display provide easy access to the right information. 

Drivers also benefit from the display in other situation, for example, when loading or trying to plan the best route.

“As a business, what we do is really good for the environment so we want to run a sustainable fleet as well,” adds Clay. 

“Therefore, the FM’s fuel efficiency will form an important part of that.”

A DVSA crackdown has found that one in 10 vehicles had the most dangerous mechanical issues.

The news comes following a day of action by DVSA, National Highways and also local police forces. 

The defects covered a range of components on trucks that were subjected to roadside checks.

For example, problems with steering, suspension and wheels were reported.

In addition, tyres and brakes were also found to be not roadworthy in some cases.

All are parts that affect driver’s control, therefore could have resulted in a serious injury, argues DVSA.

The DVSA crackdown, which happened on 29th September, targeted vehicles from Edinburgh to Dover and Glasgow to Plymouth.

Meanwhile, there were 83 deliberate or negligent traffic offences recorded. 

These included falsification of documents, licence issues and no operator licences.

Drivers’ hours offences and carrying excess weight were also recorded.

In total, 410 HGVs and 109 LCVs were checked.

From those vehicles, 150 prohibitions were handed out.

DVSA’s director of enforcement, Marian Kitson, underlined the importance of the initiative.

“The results of this operation serve as a reminder of the risks associated with cutting corners on road safety,” she said.

“DVSA is here to support those who operate safely and legal. 

“Therefore, we want to ensure they are not disadvantaged by dangerous and reckless road users.”

Meanwhile, Commander Kyle Gordon of National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) Roads Policing Operations said some drivers were endangering people’s lives.

“We welcome the opportunity to identify those drivers who would put themselves and others at that risk, which is totally unacceptable.”

Finally, Mark Cartwright, from National Highways, urged everyone to play their part in raising standards.

“The majority of drivers and operators abide by the law, but a small minority do not.

“Those who put themselves and others at risk can expect to be caught.”

A bespoke Iveco X-Way has joined the FCH Construction Services fleet as the business looked to add muscle.

The new model will be required to carry and load heavy cargo, therefore a special kind of truck was required.

As a result, the operator worked with Iveco dealer AM Phillip Trucktech and The Thompson Group on the spec.

The X-Way 8×4 Tridem with rear-wheel-steer features a rear mount bucket crane and two-way tipper body. 

Furthermore, it is powered by the Cursor 11 460hp diesel, mated to a 12-speed gearbox. 

Aside from the conventional elements, FCS Construction Services selected a number of specialist options for the X-Way. 

For example, it features rugged tyres, an increased ride height and underbody protection.

The truck will be loading and unloading pipework in some challenging conditions. 

Therefore, Thomspon Group were tasked with coming up with a bespoke bodywork solution.

The 12-cubic metre box is capable of tipping on either side of the truck via a set of hydraulic doors. 

This layout enables the driver to remotely activate the whole tipping operation to ensure total operator safety. 

A manual redundancy tipper door feature, meanwhile, has also been integrated to ensure the X-Way is always operational.

Continuing the spec, an Epsilon M135L HPLS rear crane, features on the FCH Construction Services vehicle. 

It comes complete with stabilisers and a reach of over 9m, helping it lift 750kg at full extension. 

Fraser Hart, MD, FCH Construction Services MD reflected on the five-month process of designing and building the truck. 

“Our vehicles have a tough life and work in a challenging environment,” he explained. 

“We’re confident this new Iveco addition to the fleet will further add to the level of service we provide to customers.”

FCH Construction Services currently runs a fleet of over 30 commercial vehicles.