5 Exciting New Trucks to Buy in Australia

Trucks are one of the most versatile vehicles to own. As the nation battles the coronavirus crisis, their significance is highly recognised as they continue to support businesses and various sectors of the economy, especially the healthcare industry.

For business owners and sector leaders who are planning to take out a truck loan and are looking for heavy-duty trucks, here are five exciting new trucks to consider:

1. Komatsu 830E-5

Recently released in the Australian market, the 230-tonne capacity dump truck is powered by a Cummins QSK60 diesel engine rated at a standard 2,500 hp (gross) and with a 2,700 hp option for greater speed on grade.

Komatsu’s most technologically advanced model released to date, the Japanese construction and mining equipment has claimed that it incorporated the truck with the latest engine and drive system technology to deliver improved performance and lower the cost-per-tonne of extracting and hauling materials.

Highlights:

• New-generation Komatsu cab, which is the brand’s largest and most comfortable model available. The cab design follows that of the 930E-5 model released nearly two years ago, with several advancements.
• Gender-neutral design with easy and low-effort operating controls and interface
• Intelligent parasitic load control on the engine
• Up to 80% lower particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions
• Reduce external noise emissions
• Improved ergonomics with noise levels at the operator’s ear of less than 79 dBA
• Improved isolated mounting system that significantly reduced whole-of-body vibration levels
• Ample option allowance to carry more than 230 metric tonnes, depending on local option configurations
• Better fuel efficiency; Improvements in the engine and drive system parasitic load management reduces fuel consumption by up to 5% compared with the previous model
• Full range of dispatch and visual aids that are essential for today’s demanding mining operation
• Can be fitted with on-chassis after-treatment technology to comply with stringent Tier 4 Final emissions standards

Designed to provide a platform for future technology expansion, 830E-5 also has autonomous operation using Komatsu’s FrontRunner system and trolley-assist electric/diesel drive options.

It is also engineered to reduce maintenance costs with its extended-service consumable intervals, extended oil change intervals, a maintenance-free retard control system, and brushless AC motors across the truck and flange type rims.

Source: komatsuamerica.com

2. UD Croner PD

The new 6x2 UD Croner PD model with a 14 pallet curtainsider body was recently presented by Volvo to the Australian market in the midst of the pandemic via a virtual walkaround on Facebook.

Built with proven robust components and designed to minimise fuel consumption, the versatile heavy-duty truck still puts out 280 horsepower, but its 8-litre GH8E makes 1,050 Newton metres of torque, which adds more flexibility to the engine and contributes to fuel efficiency.

Ideal for hot-button duties, such as last-mile and parcel/e-commerce delivery, Croner is available locally but it is limited in supply.

Highlights:

• Easy-to-drive Allison 6-speed automatic transmission
• 32-tonne GCM and 24.5-tonne GVM
• Modern and more open and ergonomic design with a dashboard that presents all information clearly to the operator
• Flexible wheelbase choices, rear-axle ratios, and suspension options
• Maximise fuel efficiency with high torque GH8E engine series
• Aerodynamic design to reducing the coefficient of drag (CD)
• Robust chassis made from high-tensile strength steel
• Number of safety features designed to protect the driver, fleets, cargo and the surrounding traffic
• Full air braking system with reliable S-cam drum brakes
• Rear multi-leaf spring and air suspension options
• Euro 5 Emission Control System (ECS) that meets strength requirements
• SRS airbag in the steering wheel
• Impact-absorbing area beneath the dash to look after the driver’s knees
• Media unit with five cameras along with the standard sat-nav
• Optional wireless mobile phone charging
• Electronically controlled air suspension with remote control located in the cabin
• Available with an optional engine PTO and comes ready to fit a locally sourced transmission PTO
• Wireless communication with other Volvo vehicles through UD Telematics

Source: udtrucks.com

3. Volvo FM 2020

The heavy truck range from the Swedish company Volvo Trucks welcomes a next-generation Volvo FM that boasts modern technology and improvements to deliver a higher level of comfort, safety and productivity that aims to create “the ultimate mobile office for drivers”.

The new truck comes in various exterior and interior trim packages (day cab, low day cab, low sleeper cab, sleeper cab, globetrotter cab, and crew cab), engines (diesel engines with different emissions standards and Euro 6, Step D compliant gas-powered LNG engine) and lights (halogen or LED headlamps).

Designed to be the ultimate workplace on wheels in all segments, the new Volvo FM heavy-duty truck offers ample cab space, exceptional visibility, and smart technology.

Highlights:

• New aerodynamic exterior design with new V-shaped headlamps positioned for optimal aerodynamics
• Improved cab with raised A-pillars that give it up to one extra cubic meter of space and more light
• New steering neck tilt option for a more ergonomic driving position
• New dashboard with more storage space, colours, and modern dynamic display
• 12-inch high-resolution instrument display with a user-friendly interface and four different screen views for different driving situations
• Instrument display with simple access to on-board diagnostics and service tools, road sign recognition system, and capability for future updates and connected services Lowered door line, new rearview mirrors, and a passenger corner camera for enhanced driver visibility
• Optional 9-inch side display for infotainment, navigation support, transport information and camera monitoring
• The display allows interaction in various ways: with the intuitively positioned buttons on the steering wheel, through voice control, or directly via the touchscreen and display control panel.
• Both the instrument display and the side display work in numerous languages.
• Upgraded sleeper cab with a raised bed and improved storage possibilities, including a large storage compartment underneath the bed and upper rear storage with LED panels in the compartment dividers
• Slimmer, ergonomically designed I-Shift gear selector, which allows easy movement from the seat to the bed is easier than ever
• Reinforced insulation for enhanced cab comfort
• New automated safety features like the downhill cruise control, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), standard Electronically controlled Brake System (EBS), and optional Volvo Dynamic Steering with Lane Keeping Assist and Stability Assist
• Exceptional maneuverability with improvements to the steering angles of the tag and pusher axles
• Gear changing system (I-Shift with a software package for different areas of application)

Source: volvotrucks.com

4. 2020 Freightliner Cascadia

Launched in the Australian market last year and now available to order through the Freightliner dealer network, the Cascadia is the best-selling heavy-duty truck in the US and is known for its low cost of ownership. It also boasts class-leading fuel efficiency, comfort, connectivity and the most advanced safety technology.

Converted into a right-hand drive and engineered for tough Australian conditions and operator requirements, the Australian Cascadia is available in two new-generation Detroit engines that exceed Euro 6 emission standards: 16-litre DD16 with up to 600hp (441kW) and 2,050lb/ft (2,780Nm) and a new 13-litre DD13 with up to 505hp (377kW) and 1850lb/ft (2,508Nm). Transmissions include the smart DT12 Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) and an 18-speed Eaton manual.

The truck’s ultra-aerodynamic shape is matched with a GPS-based and road-reading Intelligent Powertrain Management to improve fuel efficiency.

Highlights:

• Standard advanced safety features that include fully-integrated Detroit Assurance 5.0, which uses a radar and HD camera for active emergency braking and adaptive cruise control; tailgate warning, lane departure warning, intelligent high beam and automatic wipers/headlamps
• Wireless connectivity via Detroit Connect, which enables remote vehicle updates, fault code diagnosis, repair recommendations, OEM analysis of fuel economy, safety performance, and traditional telematics services such as GPS route tracking and incident alerts. It also allows for remote altering of the truck’s top speed and setting idle shutdown temperature.
• Options for 116 or 126-inch BBC units (Bumper to Back of Cab measurement), with everything from day cabs to 36-inch, 48-inch, 60-inch and 60-inch raised roof cab trims
• Integrated steering-wheel controls and a wrap-around dashboard
• Standard Laredo seat leather
• Aircraft–inspired ambient lighting on select models
• Sealy Posturepedic mattresses that measure up to 35-inches in width
• Double bunk option
• Optional battery-powered sleeper cab HVAC system
• Optional chrome touches and wood grain panelling

Source: freightliner.com

5. Cat AD63

Set to be released worldwide in late 2020, the Cat AD63 underground articulated truck is highly anticipated because it is the largest underground truck in the Caterpillar product line. It has a 63-tonne payload, which provides more torque for enhanced production capabilities than its predecessor, the AD60.

The truck meets EU Stage V emission standards and can be configured to meet the strictest diesel engine emissions regulations. Its emissions control system maintains the ability to use diesel particulate filters to further reduce particulate emissions. Powered by a Cat C27 diesel engine that produces 588 kW (789 hp), it also has an optimised transmission shift strategy to provide smoother uphill driving and greater operator comfort.

Other significant features of the truck include:

• New engine cooling package that offers an altitude capability from -3048 metres to 1524 metres
• Fully controllable ducted ventilation and air conditioning system with its nine adjustable louvres for comfortable cooling and efficient defogging
• Battery-electric powered heating, ventilation and air conditioning system that can run while the engine is off
• Forward-facing trainer seat that provides improved ergonomics and increased space and comfort
• New tilt cab feature that allows the truck operator to tilt the cab for access to components in the cab side of the engine
• External displays that show the weight of the truck contents to the loader operator
• Product Link Elite integration that allows the truck direct connectivity to Caterpillar and Cat dealers for remote support and services
• Redesigned access ladder and fold-flat handrails to enhance safety during maintenance

Source: cat.com