Scania R450 6×2 Rear Lift Tractor Unit The Scania R450 6×2 Rear Lift Tractor Unit is a powerful and versatile heavy-duty truck designed for long-haul transport with enhanced fuel efficiency and load flexibility. Below are its key features and specifications:
1. Engine & Performance
- Engine: Scania DC13 147 (13-liter, 6-cylinder diesel)
- Power Output: 450 HP(331 kW)
- Torque: 2,350 Nm (at 1,000–1,300 rpm)
- Emission Standard: Euro 6 (Ad Blue/SCR technology)
- Transmission: Scania Opti cruise (automated manual) or manual options
2. Chassis & Axle Configuration
- Configuration: 6×2 (3 axles, with the rear axle lifting)
- Rear Lift Axle: Allows the third axle to be lifted when running empty or lightly loaded, reducing tire wear and improving fuel efficiency.
- Suspension: Air suspension (improves ride comfort and load distribution)
3. Cab Options
- Cab Type: High-Rise (R) cab for enhanced driver comfort and space
- Features:
- Spacious sleeper berth
- Ergonomic dashboard with digital display
- Climate control
- Infotainment system (optional)
4. Fuel Efficiency & Eco Features
- Scania Super-based powertrain for optimized fuel economy
- Predictive Cruise Control (uses GPS to adjust speed for efficiency)
- Engine brake & Retarder for improved downhill control
5. Safety & Technology
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) including:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Emergency Braking
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- Hill Start Assist
6. Applications
- Ideal for long-distance haulage
- Suitable for heavy cargo & container transport
- Can be used for refrigerated or specialized trailers
Pros:
- Strong fuel efficiency for a 450hp truck
- Lift axle reduces operating costs when unladen
- High driver comfort for long hauls
- Reliable Scania build quality
Cons:
- Higher initial cost compared to some competitors
- Maintenance can be expensive
Competitors:
- Volvo FH 440 6×2 Lift
- Mercedes-Benz Actros 450 6×2
- DAF XF 450 6×2
1. Detailed Technical Specifications
- Scania R450 6×2 Rear Lift Tractor Unit Engine & Drivetrain
- Engine Model: Scania DC13 147 (Euro 6)
- Displacement: 12.7L
- Max Power: 450 HP @ 1,900 rpm
- Peak Torque: 2,350 Nm @ 1,000–1,300 rpm
- Fuel Injection: XPI High-Pressure Common Rail
- Aftertreatment: SCR (Ad Blue) + Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
- Transmission Options:
- Scania Opti cruise (GRS905R): 12-speed automated gearbox with crawler gears (optional)
- Manual (GRS915): 12-speed range-splitter
- Rear Axle Ratio: Typically 2.71:1 (for fuel efficiency) or 3.08:1 (for heavier loads).
Chassis & Axles
- Wheelbase: ~3,600–4,100 mm (customizable)
- Front Axle Capacity: ~7,500–8,000 kg
- Drive Axle (2nd Axle): ~11,500 kg (driven)
- Rear Lift Axle (3rd Axle): ~8,000 kg (air-suspended, can be raised when empty)
- Fuel Tanks: Up to 1,200L (dual tanks for long-range hauls)
2. Real-World Performance & Fuel Economy
- Average Fuel Consumption:
- Long-haul (40+ TONNES GCW): ~28–32 L/100 km
- Regional (partially loaded): ~24–27 L/100 km
- Why? The rear lift axle reduces rolling resistance when empty, saving 3–5% fuel.
- Top Speed: Typically governed at 89 km/h (EU limit) but can be adjusted.
3. Customization Options
- Cab & Interior
- Cab Types:
- R (High-Rise): Standard for long-haul (1,100–1,400 mm bed)
- R Sleeper: Extended roof for extra storage.
- Interior Upgrades:
- Comfort Dash (leather steering wheel, wood trim)
- Night Pack (blackout curtains, fridge, microwave prep)
- Infotainment: 7″ touchscreen with Apple Car Play/Android Auto.
- Exterior & Functional Options
- Lighting: LED headlights + cornering lights.
- Aerodynamics: Roof deflectors, side skirts, wheel covers.
- Safety: Scania Lane Keeping Assist + Adaptive Cruise.
4. Ownership Costs (TCO Breakdown)
Cost Factor Estimate (EUR/Year)
Depreciation €25,000–30,000 (new)
Fuel (@€1.50/L) €45,000–55,000
Maintenance €3,000–5,000
Tires (6×2 setup) €2,500–3,500
Insurance €4,000–6,000
Total Annual Cost (approx.): €80,000–100,000
Note: Costs vary by mileage, region, and fleet discounts.
5. Key Comparisons vs. Competitors
Feature Scania R450 6×2 Volvo FH460 6×2 Mercedes Actros 450
Torque (Nm) 2,350 2,300 2,200
Fuel Efficiency Best-in-class Slightly higher Good
Cab Comfort Excellent Excellent Very Good
Service Network Strong (EU/UK) Very Strong Strong
Resale Value High Highest Good
Why Choose Scania?
- Best torque + fuel economy balance.
- Rear lift axle is more robust than Volvo’s/Mercedes’ options.
6. Common Issues & Fixes
- Scania R450 6×2 Rear Lift Tractor Unit Ad Blue System Faults: Sensor failures (~€500 repair).
- DPF Regens: More frequent in city driving (avoid short trips).
- Lift Axle Mechanism: Requires greasing every 30,000 km.
7. Who Should Buy This Truck?
- Long-haul fleets needing fuel efficiency.
- Heavy cargo carriers (e.g., containers, bulk).
- Drivers prioritizing comfort (Scania’s cabs are roomier than DAF/XF).
- Not ideal for:
- Construction sites (6×4 is better for off-road).
- Urban delivery (smaller trucks are cheaper to run).
1. Engineering Secrets & Hidden Features
- Scania R450 6×2 Rear Lift Tractor Unit Engine Optimization
- Turbo Magic: The Scania DC13 uses a twin-scroll turbocharger that reduces lag by separating exhaust pulses. This is why it hits 2,350 Nm at just 1,000 rpm—unmatched in its class.
- Overdrive Eco Mode: The Opti cruise gearbox has a hidden “Eco Roll” function that disengages the drivetrain on downhill slopes, acting like a pseudo-neutral for 0.5–1.0 L/100km savings.
- Extended Oil Drain Intervals: With Scania Long Drain 2 oil, intervals can stretch to 150,000 km (if using connected diagnostics).
- Lift Axle Intelligence
- Automatic Load Sensing: The air suspension auto-lowers the lift axle if the drive axle exceeds 9 TONNES, preventing overload fines.
- Steering Angle Assist: When lifted, the truck’s ESP adjusts braking bias to compensate for reduced stability.
2. Driver & Fleet Owner Feedback (Real-World Pros & Cons)
- Praise:
- ”Best-in-Class Bunk Comfort” – The R-series cab has 72 dB noise levels at 80 km/h (quieter than Volvo FH by 3 dB).
- “Lift Axle Pays for Itself” – One fleet reported €8,200/year savings in tire and fuel costs vs. a fixed 6×2.
- “Opti cruise is Flawless” – Drivers say it shifts smoother than Volvo I-Shift in stop-and-go traffic.
- Complaints:
- “Ad Blue Sensor Nightmares” – Some report 2–3 sensor replacements in 300,000 km.
- “Cab Steps Are Slippery” – Aluminum steps ice over easily (aftermarket rubber mats fix this).
- “Dealer Labor Rates Hurt” – Scania workshops charge €120–150/hour vs. DAF’s €90.
3. Tuning & Performance Upgrades
- Legal Tuning (Scania Performance Pack)
- +30 HP/ +200 Nm (€2,100) – Official Scania remap, keeps warranty.
- XPI Injector Upgrade – Boosts fuel efficiency by 4% (but costs €3,800).
- Grey Market Tuning (At Your Own Risk)
- “450 to 520 HP “ – Some Polish tuners flash the ECU for €1,500 (torque jumps to 2,700 Nm).
- DPF Delete Danger: Removing the filter voids insurance in the EU and risks €10,000 fines.
4. Market Positioning & Residual Values
Depreciation Curve (EU Market)
Year Retail Price (€) Resale Value (%)
New 145,000 100%
3 yrs 85,000 59%
5 yrs 55,000 38%
Note: Scania holds value better than MAN TGX but lags behind Volvo FH.
Who’s Buying It?
- 45% – International HAULIERS (Germany/Poland/Benelux routes).
- 30% – Heavy cargo specialists (tankers, 40ft container carriers).
- 25% – Private owner-operators (who lease trailers).
5. Cold-Weather & Extreme Operation
- Arctic Package (€4,900 Extra)
- Web ASTO Dual Fuel/Water Heaters (–40°C start capability).
- Battery Master Switch (prevents drain when parked for weeks).
- Heated Camera Lenses (for reversing in snow).
- Desert Package (Middle East Spec)
- Upgraded Intercooler (+15% cooling capacity).
- Sand Filters on air intakes.
- Ceramic Exhaust Wrap (protects Ad Blue lines from heat).
6. Maintenance Hacks (From Veteran Mechanics)
- DPF Regeneration Trick: Force a regen every 5,000 km by holding at 2,500 rpm for 20 mins (saves clogging).
- Fuel Filter Savings: Buy Mann-Filter equivalents at half the dealer cost.
7. Future-Proofing & Alternative Powertrains
- Hybrid Retrofit Potential
- Scania offers PHEV kits (€35,000) for urban deliveries, but not yet for 6×2 tractors.
- HVO100 Compatibility
- Runs on 100% renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil with no mods needed (5% better CO2 footprint).
Get article on pdf file…Click now