Ultrashort Scania truck for the Netherlands

Dutch haulier Venus Containers recently took its new Scania G 370 6×2 into operation. The distinguishing feature of this truck is the ultrashort turning radius thanks to its 3.15-metre wheelbase.

Venus Containers uses the three-axle truck with a steered tag axle to deliver and collect 10-cubic metre waste containers in the Maarssen area. With a trailer, an additional four containers can be carried for a total load of 50 tonnes.

That Venus Containers opted for Scania has everything to do with driver preference. “Good drivers are scarce and several of them are very much in favour of Scania. If they want a Scania, there is no reason not to comply. They’re skilled and know what works best,” says owner Robbert Tammer.

No compromise on manoeuvrability

The company needed a three-axle vehicle for the heavier container work when their 15- year old Euro 3 truck was banned from entering the city of Utrecht. “But we didn’t want to compromise on manoeuvrability. Together with the dealer, we fitted all the necessary components within this short wheelbase. The result is a truck with the same characteristics as a two-axle vehicle while conforming to regulations. With this truck, we can profitably carry a 10-cubic metre container full of sand.”

Because the truck is a bit heavier, Tammer decided on a G-cab. “Apart from the extra space for the driver, the G-cab also looks nicer. We ordered it with the flat roof because of low hanging branches and such. Later I realised that the lower height was cancelled out by our roof light bar. But that’s our trademark, and it features on all of our trucks.”

Reinforced bumper for more protection

The vehicle has numerous extras as suggested by Venus Container’s drivers. The reinforced bumper that protrudes four extra centimetres provides slightly more protection for the grille and the headlight units. It is equipped with a blind spot and front camera for added safety when driving in cities, but it also has a camera directly above the drawbar bracket. In combination with Scania Opticruise, drivers have opted for clutch on demand.

Tammer finds the first fuel results encouraging; “I can see from the weekly Scania Fleet Management reports that the truck is running even more economically than the 4×2 vehicles that we started using last year. You can see how quickly developments advance.”