Science to the fore
One of the most notable aspects of Truck Test – which is organised by FOCUS on Transport & Logistics magazine – is that there is no subjectivity in the entire process. Instead, it is a decidedly scientific affair involving precise measurements and tight controls all along the way.
The event kicks off at Engen Blockhouse in Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, on May 31, where the eight trucks – all paired to identical Afrit interlink tautliners and tri-axle flat decks – are refuelled with Engen Dynamic Diesel 50ppm with Pro-Drive. Adnaan Emeran, marketing & business development manager at Engen, says the event is about identifying the benchmark trucks in South Africa.
“Truck Test is all about finding the best-in-class trucks with respect to fuel efficiency and productivity out of a diverse field of formidable contenders. When the results are published at the end of the test, it affords transport companies a clear picture of the performance of the tested vehicles under very real conditions. This can assist them to make more informed buying choices,” he notes.
George Mienie, CEO of AutoTrader, says South Africa’s largest automotive digital marketplace is honoured to be associated with Truck Test. “As the clear market leader for commercial vehicles and trucks since inception in quality traffic, lead conversion and stock available for sale, we are in the fortunate position to provide unparalleled market-based insights. We see a synergy in Truck Test – because the event serves to provide invaluable product insights in the commercial vehicle market,” he comments.
Loaded with bricks
The trucks will all be hauling loads of bricks, sponsored by Vibro. Pieter van Aardt, quarries manager at Vibro, says the company is delighted to be supporting Truck Test 2022. “As one of South Africa’s leading manufacturers of concrete kerbs, paving, and bricks, we are always looking for opportunities to promote our brand to potential and existing customers in South Africa. Truck Test 2022 affords us just such an opportunity. Furthermore, we are a family-run business, and trucks are a big part of our production and distribution. So, we are very happy to be part of something that develops and advances trucking in South Africa.
“We are very proud to be associated with this prestigious event – undoubtedly a highlight of 2022 for anyone involved in the world of trucking and transportation – and we wish all the participants the best of luck,” he says.
Early-morning start
At the crack of dawn on June 1, the convoy heads down the N3 towards Durban as it commences its 1 142.5-km route. “The N3 is a particularly apt route,” explains Martin Dammann, Customer Success Manager at TruckScience, which compiles the specifications and results. “One of the most important goals of Truck Test is to allow transport operators to make informed purchasing decisions based on objective information. It’s very important that the information is gleaned from typical operating conditions. The N3 is the country’s foremost trucking route. And, with its challenging topography, it really puts the trucks through their paces.”
The trucks in question hail from Germany, Italy and China – and the esteemed line-up includes two trucks that have won International Truck of the Year.
Actros: ultimate long-haul truck tractor
The latest generation Mercedes-Benz Actros was elected International Truck of the Year 2020, and so it is going to be very interesting to see how it fares here in South Africa. Daimler Truck Southern Africa has entered the Actros 2652LS/33 RE, which will pull an interlink tautliner. The Actros 2652LS/33 RE is regarded as the first choice of long-haul truck tractor for non-dangerous goods operators looking for maximum efficiency at 56 tonnes Gross Combination Mass (GCM) on national routes.
S-Way: Iveco’s flagship
Iveco has entered two S-Ways, namely the S-Way AS440S47TZ/P ON – which will be hooked to an interlink tautliner – and the S-Way AT440S43TZ OFF, which will pull a tri-axle flat deck. The new S-Way range, launched in South Africa in March 2022, represents the best-ever Iveco offering to South Africa’s extra-heavy road freight operators. The AS440S47TZ/P ON – the flagship model of the local range – is ideal for efficient on-highway long-haul operations. The AT440S43TZ OFF is a rugged and efficient haulier at home in mining and agricultural logistics.
Strong showing by new MAN TG
MAN's new Truck Generation flagship TGX range was elected International Truck of the Year 2021, and so it also comes to Truck Test with the trucking industry’s ultimate accolade under its belt.
Confirming just how seriously the company takes Truck Test, MAN has entered a record four trucks. The MAN TGS 26.480 6x4 BL SA, the MAN TGS 27.480 6x4 BB SA, and the MAN TGX 26.510 6x4 BL SA will all be hooked up to interlink semitrailers, while the MAN TGS 27.440 6x4 BB SA will pull a flat deck tridem. Of particular significance is the participation of the TGX 26.510 – the first time that a Euro 6 truck is being put through its paces at Truck Test.
The new MAN TG Truck range was introduced in South Africa in October 2021 and has performed exceptionally well in all application segments since market launch. The new generation MAN TGS and TGX trucks retain the core of their proven DNA, carried forward from previous generation trucks. These are the highly-efficient MAN D26 inline six common-rail engines, 12-speed TipMatic gearboxes with intarder, and high-performing MAN hypoid axles.
FAW JH6 28.500FT: China’s finest
FAW Trucks South Africa is fielding the FAW JH6 28.500FT, which will be hooked up to an interlink tautliner. The JH6 28.500FT is the largest of the truck tractors from FAW. The truck is fitted with the renowned CA6DM2 13-litre six-cylinder common-rail turbocharged and intercooled diesel powerplant, matched to a ZF 12-speed TraXon AMT transmission. This engine develops 370 kW of power at 1 800 r/min and 2 300 Nm of peak torque at 1 400 r/min. The 6DM2 engine is manufactured in FAW’s engine plant in Wuxi, China.
Turning around at Engen Trafford
Late in the afternoon on June 1, the convoy will arrive at Engen Trafford in Pinetown, where they will overnight. Then, at 4.30 am the following morning, the trucks will head back to Engen Blockhouse.
Jaco de Klerk, assistant editor of FOCUS, notes that the event is both highly sophisticated and could not have come at a better time. “The trucks are all fitted with telematics supplied by Ctrack. These fleet management systems will monitor the time taken to complete the entire route. In addition, observers are placed in each vehicle – and they log all the data manually too,” he reveals.
He says that the results of Truck Test – including fuel consumed and time taken – will be examined by all prudent transport operators seeking to make vehicle purchases. “With the fuel price hikes, transport operators are mindful of fuel consumption like never before. This has always been their single biggest expense; fuel accounts for around 50% of total running costs. Hence, they will study the results of Truck Test with great interest,” De Klerk notes.
He adds that the event simply could not happen without the support of sponsors such as AutoTrader. “This is a massive event that consumes vast resources. We are thrilled to be working with South Africa’s leading automotive digital marketplace in this regard. I would also like to thank TruckScience, which compiles the specifications and results; ADA, which is responsible for logistics on the event; Engen for sponsoring the diesel and AdBlue, Afrit for sponsoring the trailers, Ctrack for sponsoring the telematics; Vibro for sponsoring the loads; and our other valued sponsors – AutoTrader, BPW, Loadtech, and Standard Bank – for their support.”
Making trucking history
Ultimately, those sponsors are making trucking history in South Africa, as Dammann points out. “Truck Test is one of a kind on the African continent and a Proudly South African event. There certainly isn’t anything else like it on our continent and Truck Test is also noteworthy on a global scale, because we are testing eight trucks on the same route and on the same days. Truck tests do take place overseas, but typically the trucks are tested individually. Our Truck Test is unique because the route and weather are the same for all the contenders. So too are the driving conditions – construction and traffic, for instance. This can never happen with individual tests,” he explains.
Ultimately, the results – chiefly the time taken, fuel used and productivity factor – are scientific proof of a truck’s capabilities. “Other truck tests can never be as valid,” notes De Klerk. “An inhouse truck test is always done under ideal conditions and over an optimal route. Truck Test, on the other hand, is a true-to-life test of a truck’s capabilities. We’re running on the most popular trucking route in the country and at times that trucks typically run. So, the results will be extremely meaningful.”
Results announced June 17
The results of the complete run will be announced on June 17 and will be published in the June issue of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics. Transport operators will then be able to make informed purchasing decisions based on objective information. The results will also appear on www.autotrader.co.za and www.focusontransport.co.za. They will also feature in a television programme on Ignition in July.
