Why do American trucks have a hood and European ones don't?


Caterpillar (1925 - present)

Caterpillar is one of the world's largest manufacturers of construction and mining equipment. It makes mining dump trucks, bulldozers, loaders, excavators and much more. In 2011, it attempted to produce trucks under its own brand, which, unfortunately, was not successful. A few years later, truck production was curtailed.

Caterpillar CT630LS

The cabin feels like home. The coolest trucks

The modern truck transport industry cannot be measured by wheel formulas or horsepower. To comprehend it, you need to experience with your own eyes the comfort and functionality that legendary truck manufacturers offer today. Kilometer after kilometer, year after year, super-trucks open doors and roads for truckers. The technical equipment of these automobile monsters is at the highest level, the tires meet the needs of such equipment. Truckers, in addition to a comfortable ride, have become accustomed to counting on comfortable meals, comfortable sleep, and even entertainment in the cab. Including with friends...

Renault Magnum

Having just appeared in 1990, the Renault Magnum models made a kind of revolution in the design of truck cabins: a flat, level floor, a lot of free space and the most categorical division between the cabin and “under the hood”. The cabin is completely separated from the engine and transmission part, which, in addition to a comfortable stay in it, also provides an excellent position when driving the truck.

The useful height of the cabin is 1.87 m, width - 2.36 m, depth - 2.02 m. At the same time, the cabin of the Renault Magnum 480 is very hospitable and does not lose its aesthetic side. The Feel and touch finish conventionally divides the cabin interior into four spaces: - a driver’s area with an air-suspended seat, a center console, an adjustable steering wheel and a compartment for drinks. — seating area with swivel seat and footrest; — eating area with a folding table, two seats and a refrigerator; - a sleeping area with an upper folding couch and a folding lower seat that turns into a couch.

The external architecture and ergonomic interior of the latest Renault Magnum 480 model, in addition to the work area itself, also implies a comfortable lower floor for drivers to rest during long flights. The useful space of the Renault Magnum 480 cabin, although it does not look large from the outside, but inside the manufacturer has awarded the tractor with truly European standards and capabilities. And thanks to this, the driver behind the wheel of Magnum can feel like a real master on the road.

Kenworth T680

In the heavy-duty category, the Kenworth T680 is named the 2013 Commercial Truck of the Year. Excellent aerodynamics and smart technology, along with a spacious and comfortable, state-of-the-art cabin, make the interior of the Kenworth T680 truck at least as good as a modern living room. At the most, one of the best trucks in terms of driver comfort.

The 2.1-meter-wide cab with a 76-inch bed actually set a new standard in the long-haul world. There are no engine protrusions or other technical components in the cabin, and the angle of the panel for the driver's feet is significantly less than that of most trucks, which makes driving more comfortable.

Zonally, the Kenworth T680 cabin is divided into two parts: a work area and a rest area. The cockpit work area has two driver's seats and a huge computerized instrument panel with a multimedia infotainment center. The sitting area boasts a wide bunk. In addition, in the cabin of the Kenworth T680 there was room for several luggage lockers, a mini refrigerator with a freezer, a microwave oven and a 32-inch LCD TV. Zonally, the Kenworth T680 cabin is divided into two parts: a work area and a rest area. The cockpit work area has two driver's seats and a huge computerized instrument panel with a multimedia infotainment center. The sitting area boasts a wide bunk. In addition, in the cabin of the Kenworth T680 there was room for several luggage lockers, a mini refrigerator with a freezer, a microwave oven and a 32-inch LCD TV.

An entertainment multimedia center with a 7-inch NavPlus monitor is designed to entertain drivers during long flights.

Freightliner Columbia

The Freightliner Columbia is the quintessential 21st-century truck, respected by professional truckers and truck enthusiasts alike: bulky, aggressively handsome, with gleaming chrome, and Western style. Without exaggeration, the best Freightliner knowledge and concepts about trucks accumulated over 60 years are accumulated in this model.

When it comes to cabin comfort, the Freightliner Columbia is hard to beat by any other truck. Even the lowest cabin height of the Freightliner Columbia, 177 cm, is enough not only for a comfortable stay in it, but also for the driver to exercise, which is important for long hours behind the wheel of such a colossus. Plus the configuration of all kinds of ceiling cabinets and shelves. The sleeping compartment in its comfort and functionality is not much different from the sleeping compartment on the train.

The wide Freightliner Columbia driver's seat, in addition to its air spring and spring properties, also has a high backrest with a comfortable fixed headrest. There are adjustable leg support bars under the chair. On the chair itself you can find a position indicator.

The devices are located on the console at an angle of 120 degrees, which allows you to simultaneously read technical information and monitor the road. In general, all truck controls are located according to the principle “everything is at hand” and provide the driver with convenient switching while driving.

The driver and passenger seats are separated by a console for glasses and bottles. The cabin, including the sleeping compartment, is equipped with air filters. The inside of the doors is decorated with decorative panels on which there is an additional armrest, electric side windows, central and side locking controls and loudspeaker speakers.

In the cabin there was also room for a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a folding table, and a folding seat.

Volvo FH16

New Volvo FH16 tractor with 700 hp power. Today it is the most powerful tractor in the world. In addition to the traditional Volvo quality, the design of the cabin, designed with complete focus on the driver, also deserves special attention. In fact, the cabin is designed to make the driver’s job as easy as possible in driving the truck. Transporting cargo in such a vehicle is not just a pleasure, but a comfortable pleasure.

The cabin is designed taking into account all the needs of the driver both while driving and while resting in it. Compared to the latest FH models, the FH16 has increased cabin volume by almost 1 cubic meter. meter, which allows even drivers with a height of about 2 meters to stand in the cab without bending. Also, a larger cabin means an increased survival area during an accident. However, with active safety, Volvo, as it should be, is doing well.

In terms of design and functionality, the new Volvo FH16 is already considered by many to be a top seller in the near future. This is facilitated by excellent sleeping conditions for one or two people with access to control of the multimedia system and autonomous climate control, and the ability to tilt the resting shelf by 55 degrees, which is an ideal angle for reading or watching TV, and unexpectedly spacious luggage compartments , and numerous document holders, and stands for glasses, and adjustable shelves, and a signature curved dashboard.

If the driver remembers his route, that’s very good. But it’s even better when the machine remembers it itself. For this purpose, the new FH16 is equipped with an I-See system that uses a GPS system. And the technical characteristics of the new Volvo FH16 can be discussed for hours, but I especially want to highlight the oxide emissions reduced by 40%, which corresponds to the Euro 6 standard that has not yet entered into force. One cannot fail to mention the world’s most intelligent gearbox I-Shift, developed by specifically for driver comfort and fuel economy.

Mercedes-Benz Actros

Sales of more than 700,000 Actros IV units worldwide in 15 years are nothing less than evidence of the truck’s high popularity. The Actros IV cab has seven variants, five of which have a flat floor. The other two models are equipped with a motor tunnel protruding 170 mm. The free space above it ranges from 1.46 to 1.79 m.

There are also two options for finishing lines: “stylish” and “homey”. “Domashny” is equipped with door handles trimmed in wood, its dashboard has wooden decorative panels, the steering wheel is covered in leather or made in a wood/leather combination.

Even in the ClassicSpace version, which is the most budget-friendly, there is a color division of the interior into a relaxation area and a work area. The same color scheme is made in passenger models, as in them, the Actros IV has a mechanical sunroof and a multifunction steering wheel.

Cabin options with a flat floor are equipped with a comfortable suspension. This tipping suspension, in turn, is equipped with an electro-hydraulic drive. Door extensions and lighting make the running boards more comfortable. The cabin also provides additional equipment. For example, there is a lockable compartment above the windshield, a safe can be installed, a cabinet with drawers equipped with a tray for small items, and flexible shelves.

Another useful option is a refrigerator with a capacity of 25 or 26 liters, the first can be located on the engine tunnel, and the second under the berth. Flat-floor cab models can even accommodate a 36-litre refrigerator. There is quite enough space in the cabin for him.

Mack Vision

With its appearance back in 1999, the Mack Vision tractor eclipsed all competitors with the number of innovative technical solutions. Much water has passed under the bridge since then, but the car is still impressive today.

Source

Mack (1900–present)

Mack is one of the oldest American companies. It was founded by John Mack and began with the production of buses. Over its history, it has produced a huge number of trucks and special equipment. But in the 1980s, things began to go worse, and Renault began to buy it out. In 2001, Renault sold the brand to Volvo, but Mack continues to produce trucks under its own logo.

Mack Anthem

Autocar (1897–present)

Until 1911, Autocar focused primarily on passenger cars. But in 1911 the vector changed, and the focus was placed on trucks. In 1953, Autocar became part of the White company, and after its collapse it was taken over by Volvo. But subsequently, due to problems with the antimonopoly service, Volvo was forced to sell part of the shares. Autocar was purchased by the newly created company Grand Vehicle Works Holdings, LLC - and again, after almost half a century, it became independent!

Autocar S64F

Sterling (1907−1953, 1997−2009)

Sterling was founded in 1907 and began manufacturing a wide range of trucks. In 1951, White bought it, and two years later closed the division. In 1997, Freightliner decided to revive the forgotten brand by starting to produce pickup trucks under it under license from Ford. But in 2009, Sterling was liquidated again due to financial problems.

The economic crisis has changed the situation

It is unknown how the situation would have developed further if not for the influence of the global economic crisis that erupted in 2008-2009. The economies of most countries have sagged, and the financial capabilities of shipping companies have worsened. There was no longer any money to buy expensive equipment. In Russia, the ruble exchange rate has weakened noticeably against the dollar. The US currency has become “expensive”, making it unprofitable to buy trucks in America.

In turn, the government is concerned about why domestic companies prefer to purchase imported vehicles. It turned out that it was important for drivers that their truck was comfortable and reliable, because they had to cover huge distances on wheels. Fortunately, KamAZ took into account the wishes of cargo carriers and developed decent models with a good level of comfort, while being adapted for Russian conditions.

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Marmon-Herrington (1931–present)

In 1931, the Marmon automobile company decided to open a new division. Marmon-Herrington was formed by teaming up with Arthur Herrington. In 1933, the automobile division was closed, and the company concentrated only on commercial vehicles. Since the 1960s, Marmon-Herrington has changed hands constantly, producing a variety of products, even airplanes and rockets. Today the brand is owned by the Berkshire Hathaway conglomerate and produces components for trucks.

At a crossroads

Until the mid-2000s, trucks from the United States were truckers' favorite tractors. A comfortable driver's seat, climate control, excellent dust and noise insulation, a spacious cabin, an abundance of control functions, a separate sleeping place, a refrigerator and a kitchenette made it possible to travel comfortably around cities and towns.

For drivers of the post-Soviet space, they seemed like space against the backdrop of outdated Soviet models. Russia's flagship, KamAZ, at that time offered vehicles that did not meet modern expectations of convenience and safety. He seemed hopelessly stuck in the past.

Neither KamAZ, nor MAZ, nor Ural could actually compete with American manufacturers, who occupy about 80% of the market. The North American company Navistar International even built a plant in Russia to produce its trucks. Numerous Hollywood films about brave and friendly truck drivers also contributed to the popularization of tractors from the USA.

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