Heavy rigid truck guide 2022

In this guide we’ve covered heavy rigid trucks that are primarily intended for operation without a trailer, in 6x2, 6x4, 8x4 and 10x4 configurations.

We’ve selected minimum power/torque figures of 250hp/800Nm for this heavy-rigid class.

The truck makes are listed alphabetically, not in order of market share, specification or price.

The DAF CF range has state-of-the-art Euro specification, with a full suite of electronic active safety aids.

The latest DAF specification sheets no longer carry the familiar CF ’75’ and ’85’ model distinction; now replaced by MX-11 and MX-13 PACCAR engine suffixes that give a clearer indication of intended vocation.

With outputs of 340, 370, 410 and 450hp, the latest MX-11 engine is most buyers’ choice for rigid truck applications, however, the MX-13’s 480 or 530hp engine is available if required for high-performance or particularly heavy applications.

Transmission choices include ZF eight-speed and 16-speed synchromesh manuals, ZF TraXon 12-speed automated manual and Allison six-speed torque converter auto on the low-tare, 340hp 8x4. A 500kW Intarder is optional with the 12-speed transmission.

All CFs use DAF’s 7.5-tonnes-capacity front axle with 7.1-tonnes-rated taper-leaf suspension. The 8x4 models have load-sharing front suspension.
Standard 6x4 and 8x4 models have an SR1360T tandem, rated at 18.1 tonnes, on PACCAR Airglide 400 eight-bag air suspension. Heavy duty hub-reduction axles are optional. Cross-axle and inter-axle diff locks are standard.

The 6x2 MX-11 model has a DAF drive axle and trailing axle tandem, with DAF eight-bag air suspension and an across-axle diff lock.

Quick specs

Engine: 340hp/1500Nm up to 480hp/2500Nm
Transmissions: Eight-speed and 16-speed manuals, 12-speed automated manual and six-speed automatic
Brakes: Discs front and rear
GVMs: 27 tonnes (6x2); 25.2 tonnes (6x4); 34.3 tonnes (8x4); 28.5 tonnes (8x4 Low Tare). GCM 58-70 tonnes on selected models.

The Elite 2 range of Dennis Eagle truck cab/chassis is purpose-designed for waste collection and features a stainless steel cab. Single or dual steering stations are available. Standard is ABS/ETC braking.

Power comes from a Cummins ISL E5 engine rated at 280hp/980Nm (6x4) and 340hp/1500Nm (8x4). Transmissions are Allison torque converter automatics, with a choice of MD3000, 3200 and 3500 series.

Dana axles are fitted front and rear, with twin-leaf parabolic leaves at the front and a choice of Hendrickson HAS or Primaax at the rear.

Braking is by Knorr discs all around.

Quick specs

Engine: 280hp/980Nm (6x4) and 340hp/1500Nm (8x4) Cummins ISL E5
Transmissions: Allison six-speed automatic
Brakes: Discs
GVMs: 16.5 tonnes (4x2); 23.5 tonnes (6x4) {26 tonnes with approval} ; 28 tonnes (8x4) {32 tonnes with approval}.

Freightliner’s Columbia 6x4, 8x4 and 10x4 models have ABS brakes, traction and cruise control.

Power comes from a Cummins ISL E5 engine rated at 320hp/1350Nm up to 400hp/1700Nm.

Transmission choices include Eaton 9-, 13- and 18-speeds; Ultrashift 9- and 18-speed automated manuals and Allison 3000 and 4500 series torque converter automatics.

Front axles are Daimler or Meritor, with load-sharing on Meritor twin-steer models. Tag axles are available on 8x4s to create 10x4 trucks. Drive axles are Meritor MT40, RT40 or RT46, with driver-controlled power divider and across-axle diff locks.

Rear suspensions are Freightliner steel spring or air, with Hendrickson HLM on 10x4 rear axles.

Brakes are drums, with optional discs on 6x4s.

Quick specs

Engine: 320hp/1350Nm up to 400hp/1700Nm
Transmissions: Eaton 9-, 13- and 18-speeds; Ultrashift 9- and 18-speed automated manuals and Allison 3000 and 4500
Brakes: Drums (discs optional on 6x4s)
GVMs: 24 tonnes (6x4); 28.5 tonnes (8x4); 34 tonnes (10x4).

The Fuso Fighter FN 6x2 and 6x4 models have ABS/ASR brakes and are powered by Fuso’s 6M60, 7.5-litre, Euro V engine, rated at 270hp and 784Nm. (We figured that 784Nm was close enough to our 800Nm torque minimum for this rigid segment.)

The standard transmissions is a synchromesh Eaton ES 11109 nine-speed and an Allison MD3500, six-speed auto is optional.

The front axle is a Fuso 650T beam, mounted on parabolic leaves. The rear axle on the 6x2 is a Fuso R10T with road-friendly-rated trailing axle and the 6x4 has tandem R10T axles.

Rear suspension is eight-bag air on 6x2 and 6x4, with a taper-leaf, six-rod steel suspension option on the 6x4.

The heavier rigid truck choice from Fuso is the Shogun range that has a full suite of electronic safety aids.

There are two rigid-truck models in the Shogun range, starting with the 360 that’s powered by Fuso’s 7.7-litre engine, rated at 360hp and 1400Nm. A Jacobs three-stage engine brake is standard.

The engine drives through a Fuso 12-speed automated manual transmission to a choice of 6x2 or 6x4 rear tandems, on eight-bag air suspension. Limited-slip axle centres are optional.

The larger-engined Shogun powertrain comes from parent Mercedes-Benz, combining the OM470, 10.7-litre engine with 395hp, 455hp or the new 510hp and three-level Jacobs Brake, coupled to a G230 12-speed automated manual transmission.

Shoguns have Fuso front and rear axles, with 7.1-tonnes capacity front suspension by taper leaves and at the rear, a choice of trunnion-mounted, six-rod leaf spring suspension or four-bag air suspensions, both rated at 21.6 tonnes.

Configurations are 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4.

Power divider locks are standard and LSDs in both drive axles are optional.

Quick specs

Engine: 270hp/784Nm (7.5-litre); 360hp/1400Nm (7.7-litre); 395hp/2000Nm, 455hp/2200Nm or 510hp/2500Nm (10.7-litre)
Transmission: Eaton ES 9 (7.5-litre); Fuso G211 (7.7-litre): M-B G230 (10.7-litre) 12-speed automated manual
Brakes: Drums
GVMs: GVM 25 tonnes (7.7-litre); 24-25.4 tonnes (10.7-litre); 30.8 tonnes (8x4).

Hino’s 500 Series has a full suite of electronic dynamic safety aids and comes as 6x2 and 6x4 rigids. Both trucks are powered by Hino’s Euro V JO8 7.7-litre engine, rated at 280hp/883Nm.

The standard transmission on the 6x2 is Allison’s 3500 six-speed auto, which is optional on the 76x4. The 6x4’s standard transmission is Eaton’s ES 11109, nine -speed, synchromesh box.

Axles are Hino, on Hendrickson HAS 400 rear air suspension, or Hino six-rod multi-leaf steel springs, on 6x4s. Across-axle diff locks are standard on the 6x4 model.

The heavier-rated Hino 700 Series has a full suite of electronic dynamic safety aids and there are two engine sizes available.

Three 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4 rigid truck models are powered by Hino’s Euro 6, nine-litre engine, rated at 320hp/1275Nm (6x2 and 6x4) and 360hp/1569Nm (8x4). A Jacobs engine brake is standard.

The standard transmission on all three models is an Allison six-speed torque converter model, but the 3200 series fitted to the 6x2 and 6x4 models is replaced by a heavier-duty 4440 series on the 8x4.

Hendrickson air rear suspension is standard on the 6x2, optional on the 6x4 and the 8x4 is leaf-only.

The larger-engined 6x4 and 8x4 Hino 700s are powered by Hino’s 480hp/2157Nm 13-litre engine, with standard Jacobs engine brake.

The only transmission is ZF’s Trayon 16-speed automated manual box, with standard Intarder retarder.

Axles on 700 models are Hino, with inter-axle and across-axle diff locks. Front suspension is taper-leaf and 8x4s have load-sharing. The 13-litre 6x4 and 8x4 models come with air or leaf rear suspensions.

Quick specs

Engines: 7.7-litre, 280hp/883Nm (6x2 and 6x4); 9.0-litre, 320hp/1275Nm (6x2 and 6x4) and 360hp/1569Nm (8x4); 13-litre, 480hp/2157Nm
Transmissions: Nine-litre, Allison six-speed auto; 13-litre, 16-speed automated manual
Brakes: Drums
GVMs: 320hp models, 26 tonnes; 360hp 8x4, 30 tonnes; 480hp 6x4, 27.9-28.3 tonnes; 480hp 8x4, 30-32 tonnes.

The market leading F Series comes with a full suite of electronic dynamic safety aids.

The Isuzu models in the medium rigid class are FV 6x2s and 6x4s; all powered by Isuzu’s 7.8-litre, Euro V engine that’s rated at 300hp and 981Nm.

The Isuzu models in the heavy rigid class are FX 6x4s and FY 8x4s; all powered by Isuzu’s 9.8-litre, Euro V engine that’s rated at 345hp and 1422Nm. An exhaust brake is standard.

Isuzu offers a wide choice of transmissions: Eaton constant-mesh RTO 11908LL; ZF nine-speed synchromesh and Allison 4430 series, six-speed torque converter automatic.

Front axles are Meritor FG941 with taper-leaf springs that are load-sharing on 8x4s. Rear tandems are Meritor MT-14X, with power divider locks and across-axle diff locks. Suspensions are Isuzu six-rod leaf or Hendrickson HAS 461 four-bar air.

Isuzu has a market-leading range of available wheelbases and combinations of PTO and suspension variations.

Quick specs

Engines: 300hp/981Nm 7.8-litre and 345hp/1422Nm, 9.8-litre
Transmissions: Eaton RTO 11908LL; ZF nine-speed and Allison six-speed
Brakes: Drums
GVMs: 24 tonnes (6x2 and 6x4s); 30 tonnes (8x4s).

Iveco has the new ACCO 6x4 and 8x4 models and the Stralis range in 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4 configurations. The ACCO has a full suite of electronic dynamic safety aids, but the Stralis has only ABS/ASR, with lane departure warning available as an option.

The ACCO is powered by Iveco’s Cursor 9, Euro VI, 8.7-litre engine rated to either 310hp/1300Nm or 360hp/1650Nm. An engine brake is standard.

The standard transmission is an Allison 3200 Series six-speed torque converter automatic, with PTO and retarder options.

Iveco nine-tonnes-capacity front axles are load sharing in 8x4 models and the rear tandem on both ACCO models is Meritor’s MT23, rated at 23 tonnes, fitted with power divider and across-axle diff locks. Brakes are Knorr discs all around.

The Stralis Ati 6x2 is powered by a Cursor 8 engine, rated at 360hp/1500Nm, coupled to a ZF Eurotronic 12AS 12-speed automated manual transmission, with optional retarder.

A Meritor MS13 drive axle and tag axle mount on eight-bag air suspension and brakes are Knorr discs all around.

Stralis 6x4 and 8x4 models have Euro V Cursor 13 outputs of either 450hp/2200Nm or 500hp/2300Nm, with engine brakes and ZF Eurotronic 16-speed automated manual transmissions.

Meritor MT23 tandems mount on eight-bag air suspension and brakes are Knorr discs all around.

Quick specs

Engines: 310hp/1300Nm or 360hp/1650Nm (ACCO); 450hp/2200Nm or 500hp/2300Nm (Stralis)
Transmissions: ZF Eurotronic 12-speed (ACCO) or 16-speed (Stralis)
Brakes : Discs
GVMs: 25 tonnes (ACCO and Stralis 6x4); 28.5 tonnes (ACCO 8x4); 31 tonnes (Stralis 8x4).

Kenworth’s T360 and T410 6x4, 8x4 and 10x4 rigid trucks have a full suite of electronic dynamic safety aids.

Power comes from Cummins ISL E5 engines with ratings from 280hp/980Nm up to 400hp/1700Nm.

Transmission choices include Eaton 9-, 13- and 18-speeds; Ultrashift 9- and 18-speed automated manuals and Allison 3200, 3500 and 4440 series torque converter automatics.

Front and rear axles are choices of several Dana or Meritor options, with load-sharing on twin-steer models. Tag axles are available on 8x4s to create 10x4 trucks.

Suspensions are leaf front springs and KW Airglide 400, eight-bag air rears. 10x4s have Airglide 600 suspension.

Brakes are drum or disc all around.

The Kenworth T410 is available in 6x4 and 8x4 configurations, both powered by a PACCAR MX13 engine rated at 400hp/2300Nm or 510hp/2500Nm.

Transmissions choices are Eaton 18-speed manual or Ultrashift automated manual, or ZF 12-speed AMT.

Axle and brake choices are the same as for the T360.

Quick specs

Engines: 280hp/980Nm up to 400hp/1700Nm Cummins ISL (T360) and 400hp/2300Nm or 510hp/2500Nm PACCAR MX13 (T410).
Transmissions: Eaton manuals and Ultrashift AMTs and ZF 12-speed AMT.
Brakes: Drums or optional discs
GVMs: 25 tonnes (6x4) up to 36 tonnes (10x4).

Mack’s Metro-Liner has ABS brakes with optional traction control and ESP roll-over prevention systems.

Power comes from a Cummins ISL E5 engine, rated at 320hp/1350Nm up to 400hp/1700Nm, with C-brake engine brake rated at 185kW.

Transmission choices are Eaton 11- and 13-speed manuals; Ultrashift 13-speed automated manual and Allison 3200 or 4440 series torque converter automatics. An Allison retarder is optional behind the 340hp engine.

Axles are Mack or Meritor steers, with Meritor RT-40, RT-46 or Dana DSH40P drive tandems on Meritor MaxLite or HN air suspensions. Hendrickson’s HLM2/AL460 tag axle kit is fitted to 10x4 models.

Quick specs

Engine: 320hp/1350Nm up to 400hp/1700Nm
Transmissions: Eaton 11- and 13-speed manuals; Ultrashift 13-speed automated manual and Allison 3200 or 4440
Brakes: Drums or optional discs (6x4 with Meritor front axle)
GVMs: 26 tonnes (6x4); 30 tonnes (8x4); 33 tonnes (10x4).

MAN rigid trucks have ABS/ASR and ESP.

The TGM 6x2 model is powered by MAN’s Euro 5, 6.9-litre engine, rated at 285hp/1150Nm and with a standard exhaust brake. The transmission is a ZF AS-tronic, 12-speed automated manual.

Axles are MAN, with a 6.3 tonnes-rated steer axle on parabolic leaves and the rear tandem on eight-bag air suspension. The drive axle has a standard diff lock.

Brakes are discs all around.

Quick specs

Engine: 285hp/1150Nm
Transmission: 12-speed AMT
Brakes: Discs
GVM: 23 tonnes.

Daimler is largely content to leave the rigid truck market to its Freightliner and Fuso subsidiaries, except in the case of the vocational Econic 4x2, 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4 town trucks that come with a full suite of electronic dynamic safety systems.

Power comes from a 7.7-litre OM936LA Euro VI engine rated at 270hp/1200Nm up to 354hp/1400Nm. The transmission choices are an Allison 3000P, six-speed torque converter automatic, or M-B PowerShift 12-speed automated manual.

Suspension is adjustable-height air all around and 6x2s have steerable tag axles.

Quick specs

Engine: 270hp/1200Nm up to 354hp/1400Nm
Transmission: Allison six-speed torque converter automatic, or M-B PowerShift 12-speed automated manual
Brakes: Discs
GVMs: 18 tonnes (4x2); 26 tonnes (6x2 and 6x4); 32 tonnes (8x4).

Scania’s L- and P-cab models come with a full suite of electronic dynamic safety systems.

The low forward entry L cab comes in low-, normal- and high-roof configurations and with a choice of seven-litre or 9.3-litre power. The seven-litre engine’s outputs range from 220hp/1000Nm up to 280hp/1200Nm and the 9.3-litre’s, from 280hp/1350Nm up to 360hp/1700Nm.

Both engines are approved for biofuel operation and there’s a natural gas version of the nine-litre.

Transmissions are Scania eight-speed and 8+1 crawler version and both can be operated manually or with automated Opticruise. Scania Retarder and PTOs are optional.

The L-cab models come as 6x2 and 6x4 models and as 6x2 configurations with self-steering, single-tyred pusher or tag axles.

The P-cab Scania rigids are 6x2, 8x2 and 8x4 models, with a choice of seven-litre, 9.3-litre and 13-litre engines.

The P320 6x2 and P320 8x2 are powered by Scania’s 320hp/1600Nm, Euro 6, 9.3-litre engine and the P360 8x2 has that engine at 360hp/1700Nm.

The P450 8x4 model is powered by Scania’s Euro 5, 13-litre engine, rated at 450hp/2350Nm.

The P320s have Scania’s 12-speed transmission as standard, with Opticruise automated manual optional. The P360 and P450 trucks have Opticruise standard. All these P models have standard retarders.

The 6x2s have leaf spring front suspension, but all twin-steer models have load-sharing, air front suspension. All rear suspensions are Scania-air.

Axle/suspension ratings are 14.2 tonnes, twin-steer front (7.1 tonnes 6x2) and 19-tonnes-tandem, rear.

Brakes are discs all around.

Quick specs

Engines: 220hp to 280hp (seven-litre); 280hp to 360hp/1700Nm (9.3-litre); 450hp/2350Nm (13-litre)
Transmissions: eight- and 12-speed manual and Opticruise automated manual
Brakes: Discs
GVMs: 25 tonnes to 32 tonnes.

UD has two truck ranges in the heavy rigid category: the weirdly-named Croner and Quon.

The Croner rigid is a 6x2 model that has satnav, telematics, driver information and ABS drum brakes.

Power comes from a Euro 5 UD 7.7-litre engine, rated at 280hp at 2200rpm, with peak torque of 1050Nm at 1100rpm. The transmission is a six-speed, Allison 3000 series, torque converter automatic.

Axles are UD’s 6.5 tonnes front and 11 tonnes rear drive axle. The 6x2 model couples that drive axle with a liftable tag axle. Rear suspension on 4x2 is leaf or two-bag air and on 6x2s, four-bag air.

Brakes are S-cam drums.

The Quon rigid trucks have a full suite of electronic dynamic safety systems.

The range starts with the Euro 6, 7.7 litre engine, with 357hp and 1430Nm, driving through a 12-speed automated manual transmission. Models are 6x2, 6x4 and 8x4. An Allison 3200 series six-speed torque converter automatic is optional on the 8x4.

Front suspensions are leaf and rears are eight-bag air. The 8x4 model has optional steel-spring rear suspension.

Quon 11-litre rigid trucks have similar specifications to the 7.7-litre modes, but are powered by a 10.8-litre engine, rated at 390hp/1750Nm in 6x2 and optionally 420hp/1900Nm in the 8x4, and optionally 460hp/2200Nm in 6x4 models.

Brakes on Quon trucks are discs all around.

Quick specs

Engines: 280hp/1050Nm (7.7-litre); 390hp/1750Nm, 420hp/1900Nm or 460hp/2200Nm (10.8-litre)
Transmissions: Allison Auto or 12-speed AMT
Brakes: Drums (Croner); discs (Quon)
GVM: 24.5 tonnes (Croner and Quon 6x2s); 26 tonnes (Quon 6x4) 28.5 tonnes (Quon 7.7-litre 8x4); 32 tonnes (Quon 10.8-litre 8x4).

Volvo’s rigid-truck models in this weight class are the FE 6x2 and 6x4, and the FM 6x4 and 8x4. There’s also a low-entry version of the FE. All have a full suite of electronic dynamic safety aids.

FE power comes from Volvo’s 7.7-litre Euro VI engine that’s rated at 280hp/1050Nm; 320hp/1200Nm or 350hp/1400Nm. Engine and exhaust braking are standard.

The FM is powered by Volvo’s 11-litre or 13-litre engines. The 11-litre ratings are 370hp/1750Nm; 410hp/1900Nm and 450hp/2150Nm in Euro 5 guise. The 450 goes up to 460hp as a Euro VI engine.

The 13-litre Euro V is rated at 500hp/2500Nm and 540hp/2600Nm.

Engine and exhaust braking are standard on the 11-litre and 13-litre engines.

FMX models have raised ground clearance, reduced front overhang and optional drum brakes.

Transmissions are a choice of 12-speed I-Shift automated manuals or a six-speed torque converter automatic.

Front suspensions are leaf and rears, eight-bag air and across-axle diff locks are standard.

Quick specs

Engines: 280hp/1050Nm up to 350hp/1400Nm (7.7-litre); 370hp/1750Nm up to 450hp/2300Nm (11-litre) and 500hp/2500Nm and 540hp/2600rpm(13-litre)
Transmissions: Manuals, I-Shift automated manuals and six-speed auto
Brakes: Discs (optional drums on FMX)
GVMs: 25 tonnes up to 32 tonnes.

The Western Star entry-level rigid is the 2800 6x2. Power comes from a Cummins ISB 6.7-litre, rated at 280-325hp, with 705-980Nm of torque.

The standard transmission is an Allison 3000 RDS auto.

The front axle is a Detroit, 5.5-tonnes beam, mounted on a mono-leaf taper spring. The standard rear axle is a Detroit R-series, rated at 9072kg, mounted on Airliner air springs. Optional is a Meritor ME-20 axle.

The tag axle is a Meritor MR-20 Fueline beam.

The heavier Western Star rigids are 4700 6x4 and 8x4 models that have ABS and traction control, plus optional ESP.

Power comes from the 8.9-litre, Cummins ISL E5 rated from 280hp up to 400hp and fitted with standard Jacobs C-Brake.

Transmission choices are Eaton manuals and Ultrashift automated manuals, with Allison six-speed, torque converter automatic options.

The front axle is Meritor FG941 on the 6x4 and load-sharing Meritor MS14 on the 8x4. The rear axle tandem is Dana DDH, or Meritor options.

Front suspension is leaf spring, with Airliner, TuffTrac and Hendrickson rear suspension options.

Brakes are S-cam drums.

Quick specs

Engine: 280hp/980Nm up to 400hp/1700Nm (Cummins ISL E5)
Transmissions: Eaton manuals and Ultrashift automated manuals; Allison six-speed auto
Brakes: Drums
GVMs: 25 tonnes up to 32 tonnes