Scania R 770 operator review

Scania’s latest R 770 V8 is redefining efficiency and performance in the logging industry. With its unparalleled fuel economy and reduced trip times leading to substantial operating savings, new owner Brendan Rowe sums it up: “The Scania R 770 V8 is not just a truck: it’s a game-changer.”

As a second-generation logger, Brendan or "Jock" as he prefers, could have simply stuck with the status quo and kept life simple. However, by embracing the power of a brand new 770hp Scania V8 flagship, the logger has proven two undeniable truths: he is not afraid of change, and he does have a lot to talk about.

Jock's success story is not a solo act. He worked closely with Leigh Curran from Scania’s Tasmanian dealership, C & I Transport Repairs, as well as the company’s account manager Neil Wesley. Their collective efforts ensured the specifications of the new R 770 were well suited to the gruelling challenges of Tasmania log haulage, delivering new efficiencies to increase profitability.

According to Jock, his decision to wait for a factory-built truck was worthwhile because it hasn’t put a foot out of place since it arrived.

“Leigh and Neil were fastidious when it came to setting this truck up, particularly because it is the first Scania to enter Tasmanian logging in more than a decade,” said Jock. “Their efforts and meticulous attention to detail are paying off because what’s initially impressed me is the exceptional fuel economy. We’re getting 2.9km/L (34.48L/100km), and it can only improve as the truck loosens up.”

The tenacious power output and incredible downhill retardation capability of the Scania R 770 have cut trip times by more than an hour compared to Jock’s older trucks.

“On a good day, the best fuel economy I could get out of my older trucks was 1.9km/L (52.63L/100km), and they’d take 40 to 50 minutes longer to descend the mountain than the new Scania,” Jock said. “The fuel savings I’m getting more than cover the monthly truck payment.

“And equally impressive is the three-year 800,000km extended warranty and the half-a-million-kilometre service package that Scania provides.”

The DC16 770 V8 integrates advanced engine management systems that optimise performance and economy. Features like precise fuel injection and turbocharging ensure the engine runs smoothly and efficiently, providing the necessary power when needed while maintaining control over fuel consumption.

It’s an engine well-suited to logging applications. The combination of high horsepower and torque means the engine can handle the high-speed requirements of highway driving and the low-speed, high-power and torque demands of off-road logging. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for the varied conditions faced in the logging industry.

Jock has nothing but praise for high torque delivered at lower rpm, as it allows the vehicle to start smoothly and move heavy loads with ease.

“I like the low-revving high-torque performance of the 770hp V8. It reminds me of my old V8 Superliner. The Scania motor likes working in the 1000-1400rpm range; that’s the sweet spot,” he said. “Anything over that and you’re wasting fuel and time.

“This is particularly beneficial for my logging job where I must navigate rough, uneven, and sometimes, muddy and slippery conditions.”

The slick-shifting Scania GRSO926R Opticruise transmission seamlessly changes gear ratios, which makes it highly beneficial for forestry applications. It features a more efficient gear-shifting system that enhances fuel economy and provides smoother transitions, which are crucial for maintaining momentum on challenging terrain often encountered in logging.

The transmission’s durability and increased torque capacity are ideal for handling the heavy loads typical in logging operations. Additionally, the Opticruise system includes automated clutch control and intelligent driving modes that adapt to varying conditions, improving overall vehicle performance and driver comfort.

These features collectively lead to increased productivity, reduced wear and tear on the vehicle, and lower operational costs in logging applications.

Safety is paramount at Scania, especially when navigating challenging terrain and steep downhill slopes – like the mountain from Tasmania’s Great Lakes region. The Scania R4100D retarder enhances safety by providing consistent and controlled braking power by utilising an auxiliary braking system that operates on hydraulic principles.

It is integrated into the vehicle’s transmission and functions by converting kinetic energy into heat, dissipating it through the truck’s cooling system. This process reduces the reliance on service brakes during prolonged or intense braking scenarios, such as on steep inclines.

By alleviating the load on the service brakes, the retarder extends the service brake lifespan and reduces the frequency of maintenance and replacement. This cuts down on maintenance costs and minimises vehicle downtime, thereby improving overall operational efficiency.

One of the key advantages of the Scania retarder is its ability to deliver continuous braking force without the risk of overheating. Traditional service brakes can overheat and lose effectiveness (a condition known as brake fade) during extended use, such as long downhill stretches.

This capability allows drivers to maintain a safer, more controlled descent, reducing the risk of accidents caused by runaway vehicles. Moreover, the retarder’s braking power is adjustable, which allows Jock to tailor the level of braking force to match the specific demands of the descent. But unlike a Jake-Brake, you can still change gear when the retarder is engaged.

“If you want to know how well a truck performs, then take it on a test run up here,” Jock says with a smile that suggests he’s done this before. “In my other trucks, when you’re coming down the mountain, with the engine brake crackling, they struggle to hold the truck, even in lower gears, and we’re constantly forced to stand on the brake pedal to prevent engine overruns.

“Furthermore, the road speed is much slower than the new Scania; sometimes, it can take 40 minutes longer to come down the mountain.”

The hub reduction design distributes the torque more evenly across the axle components. This reduces the strain on the central differential and other drivetrain parts, leading to longer service life and reduced maintenance needs.

The main advantage is that the input torque gets reduced twice: first in the differential centre and then through the planetary drive wheel ends. Another advantage, especially for logging trucks that operate in deeply rutted bush tracks, is the high ground clearance. In the case of the Scania, it has 322mm ground clearance at the diff centre. The double reduction process means a smaller diameter crown wheel is required compared to a single reduction diff typically found on a highway truck.

Furthermore, reduction gears in the hubs increase the torque delivered to the wheels, providing superior traction on slippery, muddy or uneven surfaces.

Neil Wesley from Scania adds that Jock had some very firm operating parameters when shopping for his new truck.

“He was adamant the new truck delivers high productivity in terms of trip times, but critically tare weight, reliability, durability, safety and ground clearance were important factors. The way the logging industry is structured in Tasmania you must keep your trucks on the road as long as possible,” said Wesley.

“We have a unique logging specification that includes essential safety features such as roll stability, ESP, EBS and built-in load scales, all of which help the drivers to do their jobs better and in greater safety.

“Furthermore, Scania’s logging spec truck is the ideal solution for forestry hauliers because of our Scandinavian logging expertise, in-house engineering, safety and, of course, V8 power.”

Engine: DC16 770 16.4-litre 90-degree V8 (Euro-6 SCR)
Horsepower: 770hp (566kW) at 1900rpm
Torque: 3700Nm (2730 lb-ft) at 1000-1450 rpm
Transmission: Scania GRSO926R Opticruise 12-speed automated manual
Retarder: Scania R4100D
Front axle: Scania AM640S
Front suspension: Air front springs with anti-roll bar
Rear axles: Scania RBP735 diffs 3.52:1 with DCDL
Rear suspension: Scania four-bag air suspension
Brakes: Discs all round with EBS, ABS and traction control
Park brake: Electronic
Fuel tank: 1030L
AdBlue: 73L
Tare front: 6100kg
Tare rear: 3880kg
Tare total: 9980kg
Safety: EBS with integrated ABS and traction control
Interior: Black premium velour trim
Seats: Premium driver’s seat with armrests
Bumper: King Bar Alloy
Battery box: 2x12V, 180-amp rear chassis mount