MAN unveils 250 tonne heavy haul tractor unit

The new heavy haul tractor unit is powered by a six cylinder MAN D3876 producing 640 hp. Photo: MAN

Specialist truck manufacturer MAN in Germany announced a new top of the range 250 tonne heavy duty tractor unit for specialized transportation.

The four axle TGX 41.640 8x4/4 heavy duty tractor unit might typically be used to haul wind turbines, large transformers or entire submarines, MAN said.

As standard it has a torque converter and a special gearbox to handle extreme loads from stationary. Its hydraulic and compressed air systems are designed to allow precise steering and to level the suspension of specialized trailers with upwards of 30 axles.

It can be bought ex-works as a complete vehicle. The basic unit is built in Munich before transfer to the MAN Truck Modification Center in Wittlich. There it is fitted with heavy-duty couplings, more robust cooling and diesel and hydraulic tanks.

Some specification

Power is from the 640 hp MAN D3876 six cylinder inline diesel engine producing 3,000 Nm of torque, between 900 and 1,380 min^-1. The WSK torque converter clutch is integrated with the MAN TipMatic 12.30 OD automated gearbox. It includes special TipMatic shift modes, including for loads up to 250 tonnes and one for economy and loads up to 70 tonnes. A Retarder 40 is also fitted to improve braking performance.

Heavy duty equipment fitted in Wittlich includes four pressure tanks for 160 litres of additional air supply, a 960 litre diesel tank, plus a 290 litre hydraulic oil tank. The hydraulic system delivers up to 300 bar, works with a load-sensing system and can deliver 20 or 40 litres a minute independently of the load, MAN said.

Extra cooling is added to maintain engine temperature when under load and moving slowly.

Also fitted is a 3.5 inch Jost JSK 38 C fifth wheel with an 800 mm shifting device to alter the load distribution. A front register coupling with three height settings is included while a Rockinger 56 EA can be fitted at the rear

Unveiling a giant: the new MAN TGX 41.640 8x4/4 has a gross vehicle weight rating of 250 tonnes. Photo: MAN

Specialized launch

The new unit was unveiled to the heavy transport industry by Friedrich Baumann, MAN Truck & Bus executive board member for sales and customer solutions. “With our new 250 tonne tractor unit, we are returning to the supreme discipline of heavy-duty transport. Thanks to MAN Individual’s expertise, we are offering our customers a highly specialized vehicle that combines maximum performance, reliability and economy in one package. In doing so, we are once again sending out a strong signal to simplify our customers’ business.”

German rental specialist BFS took delivery of the first unit. “We are very proud to have the very first of these special high-performance trucks in our fleet. It is the perfect flagship for our special vehicle rental fleet and another highlight in our 60 year partnership with MAN,” said Jan Plieninger, BFS managing director.