Bigger cabs, tougher gearboxes for Scania

SCANIA is set to further improve the comfort of its R-Series cabins with the announcement this week that a 270mm longer ‘CR23’ option will be available to long haul operators. The news comes at the same time the Scandinavian manufacturer commits to the availability of heavy-duty gearboxes for its XT series and mine-spec trucks.

The importer says the availability of its new CR23-series cabin – which is produced in small numbers by subsidiary Laxa Special Vehicles – was made in response to “persistent demand” from operators in markets, including Australia, and expands cabin length by an impressive 13 per cent.

Scania says the added cabin length will provide an even more spacious interior, the extra 270mm created by adding existing cab components made possible by Scania’s modular construction system. It allows an expandable bed to be pulled out to a width of 1000mm without the need to retract the seat backs.

“We have blended some of the capabilities from our four-door Scania CrewCab into our R-Series premium cab, adding generous space that brings extra comfort,” explained Scania Trucks Australia director of sales, Benjamin Nye.

“Since we announced the creation of the CR23 to the Australian market in 2021 we have received many serious enquiries from existing customers, such that we are undoubtedly the biggest global market for this variant.

“The factory has been working flat-out to meet our demand, and the first examples have already arrived and been delivered to their very excited new owners and drivers.

“Despite the extra length of the body and extra metal, the recent weight reduction programs within the V8 engine and all new alloy transmission ranges, means that we continue to comply with Australia’s front axle weight limits.”

Scania has also moved to offer heavy-duty gearbox alternatives for applications including mining and heavy haulage trucks, or for those that operate in hilly or rough conditions.

Its G25CH and G33CH AMT gearboxes are said to “withstand high torque on the outgoing axle under demanding conditions, while also offering longer service life”, courtesy in no small part to the introduction of a sturdier planetary gear.

The ‘H’ designation units also offer improved gearing to reduce engine speed when cruising, in turn reducing fuel consumption.

Like all G-series transmissions, the ‘H’ suffixed units feature an all-aluminium housing for reduced weight and noise, dual synchronisers with pneumatic actuators and (three) shaft brakes to provide what Scania says are “swift and accurate” shifts.

“By adding these options, we are making it even clearer that our XT range and our mining offer mean serious business,” said Scania Trucks senior vice president, Stefan Dorski.

“Their ability to deal with the kind of challenges trucks in heavy-duty operations are facing will make a difference regarding uptime and R&M cost for customers.”