Tractor Units

Also known as a ‘cab’, ‘a unit’ or just ‘truck’, it connects to the semi-trailer via a ‘fifth wheel’, allowing the transport of a wide variety of freight and in large volumes.

Once it has been determined that a tractor unit is the right type of vehicle for a transport operation, as opposed to, say, a rigid truck, there are many things to consider when choosing a tractor unit brand, range and model.

The typical means by which tractor units are categorised is by their size, or more specifically their permissible weight, including that of their trailer and the goods loaded on them. This is referred to as the Gross Combined Weight (GCW) and it typically ranges from 24 tonne to 44 tonne.

Axle configuration is a significant indicator of the GCW possible, determining what can be transported (e.g. light, medium or heavy loads), in addition to where the unit can operate (e.g. on well-maintained highways (only) versus off-road / rougher terrain).

Typical axle configurations are 4x2 (single axle at the front and a drive at the rear), 6x2 (single steering axle at the front, a lift axle in the middle and a drive axle at the rear) and 6x4 (single axle at the front and two drive axles at the rear).

Tractor units are available that are fuelled by diesel and also by alternative fuels for reduced or zero fuel emissions, such as Liquid Natural Gas (LNG), Hydro-treated Vegetable Oil (HVO) and, of course, electric (including as a hybrid with diesel).

In addition to permissible weight / axle configuration and fuel type, the features that are included, its performance, after sales service, including maintenance and repair and, of course, price / hire rates are other factors to consider.

The leading manufacturers of tractor units are DAF, Volvo, MAN, Renault, Scania, Iveco and Mercedes.

TIP offers tractor units on a short-term rental or a long term lease basis from most manufacturers.