European Truck Cab Differences and Their Implications
When it comes to the cab design of trucks in Europe, there are some striking differences compared to their American counterparts. Unlike in the United States, where traditional or 'bullnose' truck cabs like the famous Scania Torpedo (often simply called T cabs) were once readily available, the European market has evolved significantly. This shift has been driven by changes in regulations and the increasing custom-built nature of European trucks.
Why Traditional Cab Designs Are Rare in Europe
The primary reason why traditional cab designs like the Scania Torpedo are no longer commonly found in Europe is the adoption of more stringent length restrictions for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). This has led to a shift towards more compact and aerodynamic designs.
The Scania 142M Torpedo, which was once an official part of Scania’s lineup, exemplifies this earlier era. The last of these trucks was produced in 2005, highlighting the transition period in the market. Similarly, Volvo Trucks Europe once offered the NH12, which catered to customers across the continent. However, the production and availability of such traditional cab designs have significantly diminished.
Custom-Built Bullnose Trucks in Europe
While traditional cab designs like the Scania Torpedo are no longer produced in large numbers, they are still available through custom builders. Two examples of such vehicles are shown below:
Custom-built truck by Vlastuin Truckopbouw B.V. in the Netherlands. Another custom-built truck by the same company.These vehicles are modified to have the desired bullnose design, even though they originally come as standard stock trucks. This highlights the specialization and customization that is possible in the European truck market, catering to specific customer needs and preferences.
Typical European Truck Cab Design: Cabovers
The vast majority of trucks in Europe now use cabover designs. These designs are compact and fit within the regulatory length restrictions, making them ideal for the European market.
The cabover design is particularly useful in scenarios where the length restrictions are inclusive of the tractor unit. This means that the cab and the cargo space are more closely integrated, allowing for greater overall efficiency in terms of load volume and aerodynamics.
Custom Cabover Trucks in Europe
Some cabover trucks in Europe feature longer cabs that resemble the conventional designs seen in the United States. These are also produced as custom builds, often requiring special permits to operate and pull standard-length trailers.
Regulatory Requirements for Certain Types of Trucks
Depending on their design and dimensions, certain types of trucks in Europe, such as bullnose trucks and HIABs (a type of truck equipped with a hydraulic arm), may need special permits to comply with regulatory requirements. These permits allow these vehicles to pull regular-length trailers, while vehicles that exceed the permitted dimensions can only pull shorter trailers without permits.
Conclusion
The shift in European truck cab designs reflects a broader trend towards regulatory compliance and consumer-specific customization. While traditional cab designs are largely a thing of the past, custom builders provide options for those who prefer the look and feel of these older trucks. The cabover design, however, remains the dominant form in Europe, balancing regulatory requirements with practical and efficiency concerns.