On Europe’s roads we can meet different trucks. All are identical at first glance, but at the same time completely different. The main differences, of course, are their technical characteristics. We can see in some European countries the type of American tractor that immediately draws attention due to its exceptional design. Why are there so few American trucks on the old continent and how do they differ from trucks produced for the European market?
1. Length
One of the main differences of the American truck is the length, being much longer than the European one. This is very important when operating a truck in Europe where restrictions on the length of vehicles and their composition are imposed. The main reason for these restrictions is that Europe has a high population density, and in some places the roads are quite narrow. In America, such issues are much less, so there is no need for a limit on the length of tractors and their links.
2. Number of axles
When creating American and European trucks, different criteria and requirements, as well as operating conditions, were considered. Almost all American trucks have three axles, and European ones are usually biaxial.
The “American” with the additional axis has a load advantage that is distributed along the axes of the road train. If you fully charge a trailer truck, the entire weight of the load evenly distributed on the tractor axles.
The “European” due to the biaxial construction on a flat road will not be a problem, but it can appear while driving up. The weight of these road trains is redistributed: the single axle of the tractor is released so that most of the weight goes to the axles of the semi-trailer.
Why do Americans need a three-axle tractor?
North America is a huge region with very different natural conditions. Depending on the season and the terrain, the temperature may range from -40 to +40, and the load must be transported, regardless of weather and land. Therefore, on America’s motorways, tractors are constantly traveling, carrying different loads in different places.
Speed and other convenient road paved only in the main areas, and customers are located in different places in America, so you will have to carry out tasks even on cobbled roads, steep slopes, ice and snow roads. Therefore, the American tractor must be such that it can function as well in any conditions that may occur on this continent.
3. The engine
The engine on the American tractor is always at the front of the driver’s cab. The engine compartment is approximately half a meter and guarantees greater safety when it collides on the road. The driver’s comfort is also significantly higher than that of the European tractor. The seating between the axles is much more convenient – less agitated, less engine noise and summer cabin does not heat up so fast.
Because the “American” is longer, the cabin has a more spacious sleeping area, which also serves as an aerodynamic body. The length and sharp edge of the American tractor makes it more streamlined, which helps save fuel.
The advantages of European tractors are also obvious: the driver is seated on the front deck, so it is better to see the road and the tractor itself is much shorter, therefore the semi-trailers are much more manoeuvrable.
4. Consumption
Compared to European trucks, the US has higher fuel consumption even at a 2-3 times greater difference, which is an opportunity for them because the cost of a liter of diesel is much cheaper than in Europe.
5. Loading capacity
European trucks have loading capacity twice as high as American ones.
According to experts, both tractors – both American and European – are good enough, however, the European variant in America would not have been the root, just as the “American” in Europe.
