What is reduced tare weight worth?
To help Stora Enso determine the monetary value of reduced tare weight, the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada analysed each component of the truck and trailer to account for the weight saved compared to the original component, the cost of the new component, and its ongoing maintenance costs over the five-year life of the truck. The study revealed that most of the weight savings were gained from the use of new technology, such as air suspension, which is lighter than springs. The use of aluminum components also saved substantial weight – 64 kilograms per axle in the wheels and hubs; 40 kilograms for the fuel tank, and eight kilograms for the air tank. The new 10-litre engine, in addition to being lighter than the older 14-litre engines, costs less to buy and offers 15 percent better fuel economy.
