Trucking Magazine No.357 Balance of Power Back Issue

Scania’s V8 has achieved iconic status over the years – and rightly so. Its throaty roar can bring a grin to the face of any driver lucky enough to have one under the bonnet – and evoke envious glances from others whose trucks are not so well endowed. Operator Gareth McKechran, who runs Bynehill Caravan Park and Speedlift Auto Salvage on Scotland’s West Coast, is a firm fan of the Swedish manufacturer’s V8 – so much so that he’s been putting a 143 to work since 2001. We spotted the truck – kept in immaculate condition and featuring a rare Esteppe high-roof conversion – at Truckfest Scotland, where it was parked next to the firm’s latest acquisition: a Griffin-spec R730 Topline. The stage was therefore set for this issue’s rather unusual Truck on Trial, as we compare the 1988-registered classic against Scania’s latest flagship. An unfair comparison? Not really, as it turns out – and you can read our verdict, starting page 44. In the news this month, Mercedes-Benz has revealed its Euro 6 heavy-haulers. The Actros-SLT replaces the Titan, while Merc has also produced an Arocs-SLT variant (read more on page 6). DAF has also been busy with the launch of its Construction CF & LF specials (page 8) – and we managed to test drive the Dutch manufacturer’s latest standard Euro 6 mid- and lightweight models in Belgium (page 28). Also on test is Renault’s Range T long-haul tractor unit. With the French company’s entire Euro 6 line-up announced back in June, this is the first time the press have been able to get behind the wheel of the green machine – and you can find how the truck fared, starting page 36. There’s plenty going on elsewhere, too. We hitch a ride with heavy-metal band Slayer on a onetruck tour of Europe (page 58), speak to a mechanic about the relentless march of technology (page 66), and catch up with resto legend Graham Booth (page 90) – plus much more. Enjoy your read!