18 ton box lorry

Types of 18-ton box lorry

• Concrete box lorry

  With a weight capacity of 18 tonnes, the 18-ton box lorry is a large and powerful truck, suitable for many transport tasks. Box lorries also called box vans or cube vans, have box-like shapes for good aerodynamics and spacious cargo areas. Here are the most common types of box lorries available on the market today:

• Standard box lorry

  These are common features of the ordinary box lorry. They have rectangular cargo boxes mounted on the truck chassis. TThese are considered to be more beneficial for long distance travel. Good fuel efficiency and aerodynamic design. and are suitable for long-haul drives.
  

• Refrigerated box lorry

  This type is manufactured to be used in transporting food and other temperature-sensitive products. The refrigerated box lorry has a temperature-controlled insulated compartment. Standard lorries are fitted with refrigeration units to maintain temperatures for perishable products. These refrigerated vans work well for food distribution businesses and for companies that transport medical supplies.

• Medium duty box lorry

  These are smaller than the heavy-duty box vans but are larger than the light duty ones. These medium duty vehicles serve most of the time in construction work or providing support to smaller vehicles. These vehicles are capable of handling more than typical light duty box lorries. They also provide greater fuel economy than the large ones. They are often utilized in trade by companies that carry moderate loads over average distances.

• Box lorry with liftgate

  This type of lorry also has a hydraulic liftgate installed at the back. The liftgate makes it easy to load and unload heavy items. It is usually found in warehouses and distribution centers where goods are moved with forklifts or hand trucks. In addition, courier and delivery services that offer oversized furniture and equipment have also adopted box lorries with liftgates.

• Off-road box lorry

  These box lorries are manufactured to be driven in remote areas with difficult terrain. This feature applies to those engaged in building works in rural areas or mining operations. Hence, these are more strengthened and can move 18 tons of any cargo through even the challenging types of grounds.

Specifications and maintenance of an 18-ton box lorry

The 18-ton box lorry specification includes, among others, the following key features relevant for operation and maintenance:

• Engine: Most box lorries come with diesel engines. These engines offer good torque and fuel efficiency. These box lorries are still capable of handling different terrains. This is possible due to the powerful engine of the 18-ton lorry, which is a versatile workhorse.
• Transmission: It varies from automatic, manual, or semi-automatic, depending on the manufacturer and model. Automatic transmissions are considered to be easier to handle. They are particularly effective in stop-and-go traffic. In contrast, manuals give better fuel economy. They are also more likely to be found in some regions of the world.
• Box dimensions: The external dimensions of the cargo box will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, the average length is about 6 metres by 2.5 metres in width and 2.5 metres in height.
• Payload capacity: The payload capacity of this lorry is 18 tons. This means that it can carry heavy cargo such as building materials, furniture, and packages.
• Tires: Larger box truck tires improve stability and load-bearing capability. Hence, owners should check tire pressure regularly to improve fuel consumption and minimize tire wear.
• Brakes: Due to the large size of this box lorry, its brakes should always be in good working condition. Brake inspection and maintenance are methods for increasing vehicle safety and reliability.
• Fuel system: Most lorries are fitted with large fuel tanks to provide longer travel without refueling. Tank cleanliness and proper fuel quality must be observed to avoid engine problems.

Maintenance tips for the 18-ton box lorry

Proper and regular maintenance enhances the lifespan of the vehicle lorry as well as optimizes its performance. These are some of the things when doing the maintenance:

• Engine oil: Engine oil level and quality checks should commonly be done. This goes hand in hand with regular engine oil changes according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Hence, poor-quality congestions of the oil will result in the system overheating and likely reduced engine life due to its system failure.
• Fluids: The other fluids apart from the engine oil are transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid. Their levels should also be regularly checked and replenished whenever necessary. Lack of sufficient fluid may lead to many systems failing to operate effectively or even breaking down.
• Air filter: Air filter replacement is key to maintaining good engine performance. It enables free entry of fresh air for combustion, which also improves fuel efficiency.
• Wiper blades: Regular checks and replacements of worn-out wiper blades ensure proper visibility during bad weather conditions.
• Lights: Regular checks on light functions should be observed so as to avoid being penalized by law due to using a failing or broken vehicle. This also increases safest driving at night or in foggy weather.
• Battery: Batteries are always checked for corrosion and proper connection. Batteries should be replaced when their capacity drops to avoid starting problems.

Common applications of the 18-ton box lorry

• Distribution and logistics

  The main general purpose of such a lorry is for such distribution and logistics. Their size and versatility make them ideal for transporting goods over long or medium distances. They are used by shipping companies to carry packages, furniture, and machinery from one destination to the other. Moreover, due to their enclosed box, the contents are protected from harsh environmental conditions like rain, sun, and even thieves).

• Move transportation

  These box lorries are often used in the house and office relocation businesses to transport people's belongings and even office equipment. Their bigger size enables transport of many items as a single trip. This helps both residential and commercial customers to pay fewer costs on transportation.

• Construction and agriculture businesses

  This lorry is frequently used in construction sites to transport building materials such as concrete, bricks, gravel, and other construction equipment. It also works well in hauling supplies in rural areas for agricultural purposes. These supplies include feed, hay, and farming equipment to the various farms in those areas.

• Rental services

  It is widely available in the rental market, especially for those who wish to move or transport items too heavy or too bulky for their personal cars. Most rental services provide it with different specifications to meet the needs of its potential customers.

• Emergency services

  These vehicles also serve in various emergency services. Examples include ambulances in rural areas or mobile command centers during disasters. Their reliability and adaptability make them a good choice for transporting emergency supplies and equipment to places that are hard to reach.

• Delivery of large items

  The box lorry is also used by retail companies to deliver large purchases such as refrigerators, washer-dryers, big screen televisions, and furniture like sofas, etc. Most e-commerce companies transport such bulky items with such vehicles to provide the customers with the products safely and timely.

How to choose an 18-ton box lorry

• New vs. used

  The first important decision will be whether to buy a new one or a used one. A new lorry comes with full warranty coverage and may be more technologically advanced. A used one may be more affordable, but the buyer must check the wear and tear records, it has to go through, and the past maintenance records it has gone through.

• Fuel type

  The 18-ton lorry is manufactured to use both diesel and petrol. Diesel fuel, though, is commonly used for its superior fuel efficiency and torque. Therefore, this makes it more cost-effective and ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Gasoline, on the other hand, is significantly cheaper and is mostly appropriate for lighter works. It is important to consider the type of fuel based on the kind of work the vehicle will be exposed to. In this case, refer to how often it will be driven and the amount of weight that will be pulled.

• Body material

  The body of a box lorry comes in different materials, such as steel, aluminum, plywood, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Each type has its own pros and cons. Hence, the buyer is advised to make his decision based on the type of work this vehicle will be engaged in. It will also depend on his or her financial abilities. Steel is often used for heavy duty and is relatively cheap. Aluminum is relatively light, with excellent resistance to rust. Plywood constructs a warming body in an insulated style. F fiberglass and carbon fiber lorries are lighters, with awesome strength but more expensive than the other materials.

• Transmission system

  This aspect of the choice is also majorly based on personal preferences and costs and what would be an ease of handling. Automatic transmissions are much easier to handle, especially when driving in urban areas with constant stop-and-go traffic. Manual transmissions, on the other hand, are sometimes more fuel-efficient. They offer better control, particularly to those drivers who have the expertise to drive them.

• Engine and drivetrain

  Another important consideration is the engine and the type of axle system. A higher capacity engine is applicable where a vehicle is driven for a longer distance on a higher load. Many vehicles designed for the given purpose have all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive axles. These vehicles are suitable for rough driving conditions, especially off the highway or on hilly terrain. These characteristics would be useful, particularly to those who need such vehicles in such conditions.

• Local dealers and service centers

  In the case of the 18-ton box lorry, buyers should consider the nearest service center and part dealer for a given manufacturer's vehicle. It's not advisable at all to pick a model of a vehicle that will be manufactured by different companies with no nearby dealer or service person. There are some manufacturers who offer more in terms of spare parts and after-sales service as compared to others. This is important when it comes to maintaining the vehicle, for example, in terms of availability and costs of spare parts.

• Costs

  It is worth considering the total costs associated with the vehicle, not just the purchase price. The costs that are to be considered are operating costs, maintenance costs, and resale values. Operating costs include insurance and fuel. Maintenance costs refer to the amount you will be required to part with on the maintenance. There are manufacturers who make vehicles that are comparatively cheaper to service and maintain. Another aspect of it is the future resale value. Some manufacturers have good resale records due to their popularity and brand name valuation. Therefore, the costs above must also be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 18-ton box lorry

Here are some common FAQs about the box lorry:

• What is an 18-ton box lorry used for?

  Its purpose is to transport goods, constituents of relocation, building materials, and even agricultural products. Emergency services also use it.

• How do I maintain this lorry?

  To maintain this vehicle, the owner should conduct regular oil and fluid checks, tire rotations, filter replacements, brake examinations, and overall cleanliness of the body and interior of the vehicle.

• Should one go for a manual or automatic transmission?

  It depends on the driving conditions and the driver's competence. While automatics are convenient for city driving, manuals may be better for fuel economy when used over long distances and in in rural or semi-rural areas.

• Should one buy a new or used 18-ton box lorry?

  Both have their various pros and cons. A new box lorry comes with a warranty and reliability; therefore, consumers of it will experience a vehicle that is still fresh. A used one is affordable, but its history has to be checked carefully to know all the problems it has encountered.

• Are there different types of fuel to use for the 18-ton box lorry?

  The type of fuel used for this lorry is diesel and gasoline. Diesel is best suited for heavy tasks, especially over long distances. Gasoline is mostly used when the vehicle is being operated in urban areas or during short trips.