Scania tractor units are amongst the most popular in the UK. Certainly as far as the drivers are concerned, everyone wants to be behind the wheel of a used Scania R-Series tractor unit. More recently Scania have launched their S-Series top of the range for their tractor units with all the bells and whistles, but there are not too many of these on the used truck market at the moment. To be top of the used truck shopping list, the Scania Tractor unit must be a Topline version – a seriously high roof sleeper cab. Lesser mortals have to make do with the Highline cab – still roomy and desirable but a firm second place. Pretty much all of the Scania prime movers are fitted with the automatic Opticruise gearbox (sometimes 2 pedal, sometimes 3). Whilst most the of the Scania tractors are the R-Series, fleet operators often choose the G-Series with the smaller cab for their operations, also those involved in high payload local bulk operations.
Most common in the UK is a 6×2 Scania tractor unit, whilst 4×2 versions are available but will normally be used for international work if an R Series cab, smaller Scania G Series 4×2 tractor units will be on low payload local delivery jobs. 6×4 Scania tractor units will be used for heavy haulage and sometimes bulk tipping operation.
Most often searched for models include the 16-litre R520 V8 Scania tractor unit. It is a well-powered truck with ample grunt, but nothing excessive like the top powered S730 and R730 V8 with 730hp on tap.
Until January 2024, Scania made the most powerful tractor unit for the European market with their 770HP, S Series 770 S. After this time, Volvo retook the crown with their revised 17-litre, 780 horsepower FH16.780
The most popular of the 13-litre range is the R440 – more recently replaced by the R450 model.
The short answer is yes, you should.
But beware, buying a brand for the sake of it may result in you buying something you can’t really afford. If you are not planning on long distance work and travelling many miles then why not consider cheaper options. All truck brands need to be looked after and maintained. If all you can afford is a poorly maintained example of a Scania but buy it anyway, you could be heading for a whole load of pain when, for the same money, you could have bought a better second hand example of a competing brand. Just about all the manufacturers of tractor units for the European markets make solid, reliable vehicles these days, so your choice of used trucks should be down to your proximity to a good service dealer for the brand, availability of parts and the correct specification vehicle for the job.
This question is so complicated and operational and geographical factors will always influence fuel economy but the clever people at a couple of German truck magazines believe that they have the most comprehensive test around. The ‘Green Truck comparison test’ has been running fourteen years now and applies a clever formula that covers all the relevant aspects of being transport-efficient and sustainable: fuel consumption, average speed, used AdBlue volume and the weight of the truck (the lighter the better). The results should therefore give any potential long distance tractor unit buyer a steer in the right direction regarding the most…
Normal service is resumed as we feature a beautiful Scania V8 tractor unit for sale on this week's front cover. This example is from MV Commercial's stock and is the 2020 S Series 650S version with a rear lift tag axle in addition to all the bells and whistles including Kelsa bars, air horns, side skirts and beacons. If this is too rich for your blood, check out the MV advert on the outside back cover for a slightly older 2019 V8 Scania tractor unit - an R Series R520 with a midlift axle but still has all the bells…
This is becoming a Scania-Fest - this is the third week in a row that we have been able to feature the most desirable trucks in the roads - Scania V8 power! This time we have a 2021 model Scania R580 6x2 midlift. It's got all the bells and whistles including Kelsa bars, leather interior, fridge, coffee maker, microwave etc. etc. It is available at MV Commercial and is ready to go to work immediately. Check out the full details on this week's outside back cover. Click to Read Page Turn Magazine Click Image to Read Use the form at…
From an electric truck last week to a top of the range V8 Scania diesel this week. CVA have this S-Series Scania 580S heading through their sale on 20th February. The top-engined 4x2 tractor unit has had a small fortune spending on the extras inside the cab - and is not short of some lights and horns on the outside either! Take the opportunity to browse through the images online to see the inside of this exceptional Scania V8 truck for sale in all its glory. Full details of the sale are in the CVA advertisement on pages 20-21 of…
Here's one for the vintage truck shows! This 2 series Scania 142M will be a labour of love for someone. On french plates, the 4x2 tractor unit will be heading through the regular Prees Truck & Trailer sale on Saturday 9th December 2023, starting at 9.00am. There's bound to be a lot of interest in this truck - you can see all of the inventory for the sale right here at truckpages. Remember too that we have a classic trucks section available here online at all times. Click Image to Read Click to Read Page Turn Magazine Click Image to…
