Extra clearance from axle option
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• Scania's wholly owned dealer Scantruck has sold the first two UK-spec 8x4s with optional straight front axles. Using a straight beam increases the ground clearance by 85mm: the suspension, wheels, unladen weight and 7.1-tonne axle rating are unaltered.
The straight-beam axle is a no-cost factory option; Scantruck's Keith Baker says no modifications are needed at the rear of the vehicle to compensate for the higher front end.
Kent-based operator Polka Crest flew to Southern Ireland to see vehicles running with the optional straight axle before placing the order. It will be using the vehicles on pulp collection and has found that drop axles act as a plough.
Since the Polka Crest order Scantruck has sold another nine straight-axle Scanias.