READERS’ LETTERS REFLECTING THE INDUSTRY
READERS’ LETTERS Letter of the Month wins this fantastic Search-Impex model truck! WAY out of line? Regarding your recent article about the new Iveco S-WAY, it’s a pity you couldn’t have found something positive to say about it. But of course, it’s not a Scania, is it? I’m getting fed up with looking at and hearing about Scanias in this magazine. Adrian Davis By email
Thanks for your email, Adrian; though I think we’ve been quite fair with our coverage of the S-WAY. We’re proud to say we have no bias at Trucking, and we endeavour to judge each vehicle we test by its merits – regardless of make. At the S-WAY’s launch event (Trucking, August 2019 issue), we were unfortunately given very little chance to get in and drive the new truck – and the driving we were allowed to do was limited to a short trip around a private test track, which didn’t give us much opportunity to see how the vehicle handles. We reported as much in the article – alongside some potential concerns over build quality, as one of the demo trucks was surprisingly already showing some signs of fatigue. However, before Christmas we were afforded a better chance to test drive the new models (Trucking, January 2020 issue), and we actually came away very impressed with the truck. As for Scania, I think our coverage has also been quite fair. It’s true to say the Swedish marque’s vehicles generally perform well during our tests, and operators we have spoken to speak highly of them on the whole. But of course, this is not always the case; in fact, just last issue we carried a Truck on Trial in which Scania was taken to task for its heavy-haulage provision in the UK (see opposite). Our mission has always been to provide balanced, fair and unbiased editorial, and this is something we will continue to strive for as we head into 2020 –ed.
PRIZE SUPPLIED BY SEARCH-IMPEX Tel: 01332 873555 Fax: 01332 875757 Web: www.search-impex.co.uk
LETTER OF THE MONTH Heavy going Since I am very interested in heavy trucks, I read your recent Truck on Trial featuring a Scania R580 vs Volvo FH13-540 with interest. However, I cannot agree with the outcome, since I have the feeling that you are comparing apples and pears. The differences between the trucks are: 1. 2. 3. 4.
The engine weight: V8 16-litre block (Scania) vs L6 13-litre block (Volvo) Hub reduction (Scania) vs single reduction (Volvo) STGO 3 (Scania) vs STGO 2 (Volvo), thus different braking/retarder system? Extra frame at the front of the Scania for the front hitch
in specs, the operator has been incredibly open and frank about his experiences with acquiring and running two different marques in what is a niche market. He has suffered ‘battles’ and ‘obstructions’ with one manufacturer compared with an openness from the other keen to win its business, with the latter winning on price, back-up and spec. There are many issues HC Wilson has had to endure which had led it to look beyond Scania and find an alternative from Volvo, which is now reaping dividends for it. He’s had quotes from two manufacturers for the firm’s next new (similar spec) vehicles, and here it has been quoted a price differential of over 25 per cent.
It’s my understanding that these will all have effects on the price and weight. Peter Mesman, Arnhem, Netherlands Thanks for your email, Peter. Here’s Pip: “While I appreciate the trucks can be operated at different weight limits and have some differences
ABOVE Scania R580 went up against a Volvo FH13-540 in last month’s Trial
Get your views published!
ABOVE Iveco’s new S-WAY replaces outgoing Stralis models 70 TRUCKING March 2020
Write to: The Editor, Trucking magazine, Kelsey Media, Cudham Tithe Barn, Berrys Hill, Cudham, Kent, TN16 3AG, or email trucking.ed@kelsey.co.uk. You must include your full name and postal address, which can be withheld upon request. Anonymous letters or those without addresses will not be published. Each month, the letter the editor judges to be Letter of the Month will win a fantastic model truck. We reserve the right to edit all published letters. No correspondence can be entered into.
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