Iveco targets productivity with new Stralis 8x4 models

Iveco's says its latest Stralis models with clear back of cab (CBOC) design will offer easier fitment of various bodies and greater productivity with heavier loads and bigger volumes.

Iveco Key Account Manager – Commercial and Specialised Vehicles, Joel Read, said the latest Stralis models would attract new buyers to Iveco, while making upgrading to the latest trucks an easy decision for existing owners.

"The Stralis 8x4 is already a versatile model that’s being used in applications such as hooklift bin work, refrigerated transport and crane truck work just to name a few," Mr Read said.

"Until now however, bodybuilders have had to work around the vertical exhaust, air cleaner and other back of cab componentry – with the release of the CBOC configuration, body fitment will become much easier and more efficient.

"For the vehicle owner, the main benefit is productivity. Bodies can now be mounted closer to the cabin improving weight distribution over the steer axles with a provision for up to 11 tonnes; volumetric load is also increased with up to 14 pallets now possible."

Mr Read said that CBOC also provided Iveco with a much stronger position for rubbish collection applications and would complement the sister model ACCO very well.

"The Stralis 8x4 can now also become a serious contender in front lift waste collection, and allows waste fleets to run a dedicated Iveco fleet, with the ACCO filling the 280 to 340hp bracket and the Stralis occupying the 450 to 500hp space," he said.

"There are obviously considerable benefits and efficiencies in operating a uniform truck fleet," he added.

In offering clear back of cab (CBOC) options on Stralis, Iveco engineers have redesigned the vehicle’s exhaust system to a horizontal orientation, while also adopting a new modular air intake which is now located between the front steer axles.

Repositioning these items also allows easy access to the front of the body should maintenance be required in the case of refrigerated bodies and the like.

Iveco says the exhaust system’s underframe re-routing does not clash with the operation of rear engine-mounted PTO, ensuring greater suitability for a wider array of body fitment and applications.

Other changes include localising the positioning of the fuel and Adblue tanks to the same side of the chassis for greater convenience, while the integration of the new exhaust with the battery box now allows clear space on the left hand side of the chassis rails for a toolbox or similar.

Prior to the model’s recent release into the Australia market, extensive durability testing was conducted over a wide array of road surfaces.

Complementing this stringent testing regimen was periodic field analysis of early customer vehicles, driveability testing and extensive consultation with bodybuilders.

The new Stralis CBOC is available in both a day cab for metropolitan and intercity work, or with a larger integrated sleeper cab which is ideal for intrastate or interstate duties.

On offer is a choice of two powerful yet efficient Iveco Cursor 13 SCR engines offering output of 450hp / 333kW and 1622lb ft / 2200Nm, or if additional power and torque is required, there’s a 500hp / 373kW and 1696lb ft / 2300Nm variant.

Both engines are coupled to Iveco’s Eurotronic II 16-speed automated transmission, and power is fed to Meritor drive axles with driver-controlled diff locks.

Front suspension is 'load share' and comes courtesy of Iveco load equalising four-air-bag, two-leaf parabolic springs with double-acting shock absorbers, while in the rear, is the 'Road Friendly certified' Hendrickson Primaax PAX 462.

On the safety front, the models benefits from front ABS-equipped disc brakes and rear drum brakes with the optional of rear disc brakes available at additional cost.

To ensure maximum traction, a requirement for the applications where the vehicle will be operating in slippery conditions, traction control Anti Slip Regulator is fitted as standard.

Iveco says that the latest Stralis models are manufactured in Australia using 55 per cent locally-sourced content and are already showing strong market interest.