Construction trucks replace dumptrucks in Norway

Norwegian haulage company using powerful Scania 6x6 G500 construction trucks in place of dumptrucks

WITH dumptrucks increasingly considered too big for public roads in Norway, some fleets are starting to choose powerful construction trucks instead. One haulage company, Per A Øren AS, has invested in three new Scania 6x6 G500 construction trucks equipped with extra-large wheels and fully automatic Allison 4500 Series transmissions with retarders.

Lasse Øren, head of the construction department at Per A Øren, said: ‘In the past we had many dumptrucks in the company, but when they became too large to run on public roads, we needed to find alternatives.

‘Stangeland, who are much larger colleagues in the industry, had the same problems that they solved together with Scania. We got to see their new Scania 6x6 G500 with extra-large wheels at a vehicle fair a few years ago and thought it would suit us too.’

To date, Per A Øren have ordered three of these trucks, which they say are able to perform the same task as their existing dumptrucks. Interest among other haulers has been high, with the company often receiving enquiries about its new trucks.

‘You can almost talk about this as a trend,’ said Mr Øren. ‘I see many advantages, especially that they can run on public roads, they are cheaper than dumpers both to purchase and to operate, and they have high ground clearance and are quicker to load and unload.

‘Also, the fully automatic transmission from Allison means that the startability with full load on a steep hill is absolutely superb. Fuel consumption is lower and maintenance costs on the transmission are minimal. It is really only planned service stops for the change of oil and oil filters that need to be done.’

One of the G500 trucks has also been tested with standard wheels, as opposed to extra-large wheels. ‘It works perfectly well and provides road features like any other construction truck,’ commented Mr Øren.

The new trucks are the first in the history of Per A Øren to be equipped with Allison’s fully automatic transmissions; the remainder of the fleet is fitted with automated manual transmissions (AMTs).

‘We are very pleased with how the transmissions work. They are very reliable and change gear smoothly and easily. Although the driver comfort in modern dumpers has become much better, it still has a long way to go to match our new Scanias,’ said Mr Øren.

He added: ‘We have just picked up a new assignment where these construction trucks will fit perfectly. I wouldn’t be surprised if we were to invest in another couple within a year, and of course, those will also be equipped with Allison’s fully automatic transmissions.’