What are Heavy Haulage Trucks?

Introduction

Heavy-haulage trucks form the backbone of large scale and intensive on-road operations. These trucks characterised by strength, reliability, and endurance. They are commonly used to move heavy loads across long distances.

In this blog, we explain what heavy haulage trucks are, key components, and their ideal uses. This information will help you choose the best vehicles to purchase and use them effectively in your operations.

What is heavy haulage?

As the name suggests, heavy haulage means the transport of overweight cargo. Examples: construction, agriculture, mining, wind turbines, and transformers.

The stakes are high in heavy haulage, as even minor mistakes or negligence can endanger both the multi-tonne cargo and the crew involved.

Key components of heavy haulage trucks:

• Engine:

  Like any other vehicle, the engine is the core of heavy-duty trucks. It gives the truck the power to carry heavy loads and operate for long hours on the road. Hence, the more powerful the engine is, the better it is for the truck’s overall performance.

• Gearbox:

  Managing heavy-duty trucks when navigating diverse terrains requires prompt adaptability. And the truck’s gearbox helps you do so. You can switch to any desired gear at any time, and the vehicle adjusts instantly to match.

• Brakes:

  As mentioned, heavy-duty trucks carry heavy loads, which carry a significant risk. Hence, you need to be careful of how you operate. The presence of brakes ensures that you have complete control over the vehicle, especially in the most critical moments.

• Body:

  Generally, heavy-duty trucks have large and strong bodies. This allows for the transportation of substantial cargo volumes and weights. Additionally, the truck's exterior is engineered for durability, ensuring reliable performance even in harsh weather conditions.

• Cabin:

  Operating heavy-duty trucks can be physically and mentally demanding. To enhance the driver’s productivity and support their well-being, modern heavy-duty trucks feature ergonomically designed cabins equipped with practical, value-added features.

Applications of Heavy Haulage Trucks

Heavy haulage trucks serve key industries:

• Cross border operations:

  Used extensively for transporting large volumes of industrial goods, these trucks connect ports, cities, and economic zones across Thailand. Their high payload capacity makes them ideal for intercity and cross-border distribution.

• Infrastructure and utilities:

  For large-scale infrastructure works, heavy hauliers move oversized equipment like power generators, bridge segments, and transmission towers. Their stability and strength are crucial for such critical missions.

• Specialised transport:

  These trucks also move unconventional cargo such as wind turbine blades, prefab structures, and machinery, where precision and load balance are vital.

Tata Prima 5038.S: A Heavy Haulage Solution

The Tata Prima 5038.S is regarded as the vehicle choice trusted by numerous users across Thailand, thanks to its impressive specifications that ensure capability and reliability in the field. Below is a mention of these specifications in brief:

• Engine:

  The Tata Prima 5038.S is powered by the Cummins ISLe diesel, 8,898 cc engine. It produces an impressive power of 370 hp @ 2,100 rpm and torque of 1,550 Nm @ 1,200–1,400 rpm. With power under the hood, the truck performs at its full potential.

• Transmission:

  The truck features the Eaton 9S gearbox that facilitates smooth gear transmissions, improving the overall driving experience.

• Braking:

  The truck has a reliable braking system including the Dual-circuit S-Cam air brakes with ABS and Jake brake. It ensures precise control over the vehicle; much needed during high stake situations.

• Suspension:

  The Tata Prima 5038.S is equipped with robust suspensions comprising Parabolic front springs and TML bogie rear suspension. They support the truck’s overall structure.

• Tyres and ground clearance:

  The truck has 10 tyres of size 11R22.5, which enables the truck to navigate through harsh operating conditions without a hitch. Furthermore, its high ground clearance ensures the truck’s bottom bed does not get damaged due to hits experienced during the journey.

• Weights:

  The Tata Prima 5038.S’s Max Gross Combined Weigh (GCW) is 50,500 kg, while its maximum payload 35,000 kg. This makes the truck strong and accommodating enough to transport significant amount of cargo.

• Fuel tank:

  The truck has a fuel tank capacity of 300 L. This means you can employ the truck for long distance travel without worrying about multiple refuelling breaks.

Conclusion

Heavy haulage operations are demanding and require the right resources to ensure success, safety. Tata Motors Thailand offers an impressive range of trucks built to meet these exact challenges.

The Tata Prima 5038.S is a standout example. It’s designed to handle the toughest jobs while supporting your business goals. Book a test drive today and experience firsthand the difference it can make to your fleet and operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are heavy haulage trucks?

Heavy haulage trucks are powerful vehicles designed to transport heavy loads more often under demanding road and environmental conditions.

How are heavy haulage trucks different from standard commercial trucks?

The difference between Heavy haulage trucks and standard trucks lies in their engine strength, chassis build, suspension systems, and Gross Combined weight (GCW) capacity. While standard trucks carry routine loads, heavy hauliers transport overweight loads such as equipment, construction materials, or industrial cargo.

Which industries most commonly rely on heavy haulage vehicles?

Industries such as construction, mining, infrastructure, energy, and logistics frequently use heavy haulage trucks. They transport machinery, steel structures, power units, and other overweight loads.