Local vehicle manufacturer MAN Truck & Bus South Africa reports it is able to meet the increasing demands for fuel-efficient heavy and extra-heavy trucks that have optimal power-to-weight ratios.

MAN Truck & Bus South Africa product manager Dean Temlett says the company’s MAN Trucknology Generation S (TGS) 26.480 BLS long-haul semitrailer truck tractor with the Euro V engine is based on the company’s current flagship model.

One of the most significant aspects of this truck is that it has a Euro V engine, which can run perfectly well on diesel with a 500 ppm sulphur content, which is nationally available in South Africa. Usually Euro V engines are designed to run on low-sulphur diesel.

“The performance and reliability of the 26.480’s D26 Euro V engine is not negatively impacted by South African low-sulphur diesel,” says Temlett.

The truck also uses selective catalytic reduction with AdBlue as the exhaust gas after-treatment technology. The AdBlue, which is an aqueous urea solution, is used in the process to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions through a controlled series of catalytic converters.

The company reports that the truck tractor can also run at full power and torque without AdBlue, should the operator be in a situation where no top-up AdBlue is available.

In addition, the truck is available with optional active-safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, an electronic stabilisation programme and a lane guard system.

Temlett notes that the 26.480 is one of the best sellers.

The D26 Euro V engine, which is standard on the truck, has an engine output of 353 kW at 1 900 rpm.

Further, the company will be promoting its new EfficientLine package for its TGS WW 26.440 BBS 6 × 4 truck during a countrywide tour early in the second quarter of next year.

The package, which is based on fuel- saving elements incorporated into the MAN Trucknology Generation X (TGX) European flagship model, will comprise aero kits that reduce drag, an air-pressure management system, which optimises compressor application, tyre pressure management that reduces rolling resistance, as well as efficient fitments for truck trailers.

Meanwhile, the company reports that it has recently received an order from a timber operation for four TGS 33.440 6 × 6 trucks.

These trucks are fitted with single-wheel off-road tyres and permanently engaged all-wheel drive. The single-wheel tyres offer enhanced grip and mobility for a safer, more efficient application in muddy and sandy off-road conditions.

The truck is fitted with German transmission manufacturer ZF’s 12-speed automated gearbox.

It has a D26 engine with an output of 324 kW at between 1 700 rpm and 1 900 rpm.

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