The new MAN truck generation: the right truck for any application

By MEq February 11, 2020 14:44

In developing its new generation of trucks, MAN consistently focused on the drivers and their transport tasks. The result is a product portfolio that optimally fulfills every transport task.

Every transport task has its specific challenges. A truck in international long-haul transport must offer not only high fuel efficiency and ergonomic operating logic for relaxed and fatigue-free driving, but also provide a suitable concept for resting and the sleeping area. This enables drivers to regenerate optimally during breaks, because only when they are fully rested can they retain concentration to steer their truck through traffic in a safe and environmentally friendly way.

Assistance systems, such as semi-automated driving in traffic jams or the turn assist feature, provide additional support. Safety is key for operators not only in long-haul operations, on construction sites and in distribution networks. Good visibility and optimum display of important driving information are essential in urban driving situations and on tight construction sites or when maneuvering around tricky delivery locations.

The ergonomics of frequently entering and exiting the cab, as is part of the daily work routine in urban distribution transport or when operating municipal services, is another key aspect. It is also important to choose the right body for the transport task at hand, for which the vehicle chassis must offer the optimum technical and electronic interfaces – whether it be a three-way tipper, a roll-off skip loader, a refrigerated body, a refuse collector vehicle or a timber transporter.

Not least, appropriate driveline design is key in ensuring that the driver and vehicle can handle the transport task efficiently and in accordance with the assignment. So as to offer the optimum solution every time, MAN has designed its new product range in modular form to meet the diverse requirements of the different transport sectors and tasks faced.

Varied product portfolio: The right truck for any task
Retaining what is tried and tested, and making it even better where appropriate, is the core thinking behind MAN’s new generation of trucks based on the familiar model series line-up: Long-haul and heavy-duty transport jobs are still covered by the new MAN TGX models, recognizable by their wide, long and high cabs. As before, the new MAN TGX features a choice of three engine series offering a range of power outputs: the top-of-the-range MAN D38 developing up to 640 hp; the mid-range MAN D26 from 430 hp to 510 hp; or for light long-haul transport the MAN D15 from 330 to 400 hp.

Alongside classic 4×2 and 6×2 semi-trailer tractors and chassis units, the 6×4 and 8×4 variants are also still available for the TGX, as they are a popular choice for heavy-duty transport operations for example. The 4×2 semi-trailer tractor can optionally be ordered with MAN HydroDrive, the hydrostatic front-axle drive providing additional traction on unpaved surfaces. With this diversity of options, the MAN TGX covers a range from 18 to 41 tonnes gross vehicle weight. For heavy-duty applications, a 250-tonne gross train weight is possible.

The new MAN TGS is targeted as before on the heavy-duty construction vehicle, distribution and municipal services sectors. This model series is characterized by narrow cabs because in typical applications both low unladen weight and good visibility are key. In terms of power units, MAN offers the TGS with the D26 or D15 engine, covering a broad power range from 330 to 510 hp. The wide range of variants also makes the MAN TGS the king among the lions when it comes to drive configurations.

Whether the 4×2 and 6×2 as semitrailer tractors or chassis units, the classic 6×4, 8×2 and 8×4 for a wide variety of sectors, or the specialist all-wheel-drive rigs for rough terrain con-figured as 4×4, 6×6, 8×6 or 8×8. If the vehicle is mainly driven on paved roads, and additional traction is only occasionally required, MAN HydroDrive can be combined with a 2, 3- or 4-axle MAN TGS. Featuring such a variety of set-ups, the gross vehicle weight of the new MAN TGS ranges from 18 to 41 tonnes.

The light and medium tonnage ranges in the new truck generation are again covered by the MAN TGL and MAN TGM. There is a choice of four new narrow cabs: short, long, high with a bed, and the crew cab. The crew cab is used in the construction industry, by municipal service providers, as well as by emergency services. With its 4-cylinder version of the D08 engine, the new TGL covers a range from 7.5 to 12 tonnes. If that unit’s 160 to 220 hp power range is not sufficient, the TGL can also be equipped with the 6-cylinder 250 hp D08 engine. That is also the basic power unit for the MAN TGM range, which extends up to a 320 hp 6-cylinder D08.

The tonnage range of the new MAN TGM takes up where the new MAN TGL stops, extending from 12, 15 and 18 tonnes to 26 tonnes gross vehicle weight. While the MAN TGL is available exclusively in 4×2 versions, the MAN TGM also offers 6×2, 6×4 and 4×4 wheel configurations, which makes it attractive not only for medium-heavy overland distribution transport and urban logistics but also for many applications in construction, municipal services, and fire-fighting.