Product Review: Tata 3118 multi-axle truck 

To cater for the growing needs of special applications, Tata Motors offer an innovative 10-tyre truck with the 6x2 configuration and higher 31T GVWs in Cowl and Signa variants. 

India’s transport sector is thriving with demand for high tonnage, multi-axle trucks continue to drive the overall truck market. The improving road infrastructure, several regulatory changes have brought a tremendous change in the transport and logistics sectors as surface transport remains the key mode of transporting cargo across the country. 

The changing dynamics of the road and logistics sector means there is a shift taking place in the heavy-duty, multi-axle trucks that are often used for moving the bulk of the cargo. Today demand for highly efficient, robust and innovative trucks to carry cargo faster, quicker and at the most optimal cost is on the rise. Customers are looking for trucks that are attractively priced and yet offer higher value in terms of carrying more payload with higher overall operating economies. 

To address the new customer needs and requirements, OEMs are working on several innovations to offer compelling value for money trucks that are tailor-made for specific applications and transport needs. Also, the fact that Indian truck customers are now far more evolved over the years and become highly demanding. Thus, OEMs are also looking to appeal to such customers by bringing trucks that offer them incredible value. 

Tata 3118

Tata Motors is the market leader in India’s overall truck market, and the company is a force to reckon with in India’s heavy-duty trucks market despite increasing competition from rivals. The reason being its approach towards bringing new trucks that address the customers precise needs and also offer a value bargain. Earlier this year the company introduced an innovative truck, the 3118 in the 10-tyre segment but with a 6x2 axle configuration and higher 31T gross weight. This truck is suitable for fast-growing tankers and other long-haul cargo shipments. 

Multiple Variant

Tata Motors is offering the 3118 in both the LPT 3118 Cowl and factory-fitted cabin Signa 3118.T variants options. The truck comes in 24-feet and 32-feet cargo load bodies, in the Signa variant you have two Lx, Cx versions. Moreover, the truck is also equipped with the best value features that help in competitive total cost-of-ownership and enhance performance, ergonomics, convenience and safety. What's more? Tata Motors offers the comprehensive new generation connected vehicle solution that is aimed at the most efficient fleet delivering the industry best value proposition in the heavy-duty 10-tyre rigid truck segment.

The Signa/LPT 3118 has a 12.5-tonne dual tyre lift axle configuration and it can operate at 31-tonne GVW with the lift axle down and at 18.5-tonne GVW with the lift axle up, offering a large band of operating payload for various application needs. 

This 10-tyre truck is developed and engineered with a rugged, efficient and enhanced capacity driveline and a more robust chassis delivering best-in-segment loading capability, fuel economy and tyre mileage as well as unmatched torque at the wheel and superior drivability. The truck gets the proven Cummins BS6 engine with suitable 186hp of power and 850 Nm of torque and tuned with a 6-speed transmission and heavy-duty axles. You’ll also find the segment-best innovative 3-mode fuel economy switch along with a gear shift advisor for drive coaching and optimal mileage.

The stylish and aesthetically pleasing designed Signa cabin offers generous space inside, higher ergonomics and NVH levels for superior in-cabin experience and also make driving enjoyable and fatigue-free even for longer trips. The cabins also come with AC options, enabling drivers to operate fatigue free over long hauls, leading to better productivity and trip efficiency.

Value Proposition 

Tata Signa 3118.T offers a unique blend of value proposition in terms of both, revenue and operating cost, for its customers. With a 3,500kg higher certified payload than the corresponding 28-tonne GVW rigid truck and equivalent cost of operations with similar fuel, tyre and maintenance cost as a 28-tonne truck, this product is conceived to significantly enhance the net operating profit for its customers by 45% over a 28-tonne truck. The incremental investment on the Signa 3118.T, over the corresponding 28-tonne truck, can be recovered in less than one year of operations and followed by years of incremental earnings.

Tanker Applications

The 3118 operates with lift axle up is categorically beneficial for the tanker customers yielding higher fuel economy in empty returns. It is ideally suitable for all types of tanker applications like petroleum, oil and lubricants (POL), chemicals, bitumen, edible oil, milk and water, as well industrial goods such as packed LPG cylinders, lubricants, agricultural products, etc.

Signa/LPT 3118 is certified by petroleum & explosives safety 0rganization for 25KL POL tanker, which is 2KL higher than the highest allowed capacity on a10-wheeler, 28-tonne GVW truck. Undoubtedly, Tata Motors is offering a unique and distinctive product in 3118 in the highly vital multi-axle, 10-tyre category helping customers earn higher revenues and operate the truck at an attractive cost.

Also Read

Tata Motors Sampoorna Seva 2.0: All You Need To Know

 Tata Motors 6-tyre tippers explored