For ages I have been harping on about mini artics, or mini sattelzug for our continental friends, and in particular I have been trying to find out what the deal is with the weights of these little trucks. If a little rigid is plated as a 12 tonner then what is its gross weight when its converted into a mini artic?? To me it would seem pretty pointless if 12 ton was the gross train weight of a mini artic, although I know it can be if required. It makes more sense if a mini artic has a higher GTW and finally I think I have found the proof to back this up. I managed to get hold of a 30+ year long servant of MAN Trucks UK by the name of Keith Mulhall. Mr Mulhall emailed me a copy of the brochure “MAN Leichte Sattelzugmaschinen” as you may be able to tell its in German! But it does list the Gross Train weights for the various models in the TGL range.

This isn’t easy to list on hear but for all of you who are still awake, this is what the brochure states;

MAN TGL 8.XXX BLS – Gross Train Weight = 18,750 kg
MAN TGL 12.180 BLS – Gross Train Weight = 21,000 kg
MAN TGL 12.220 BLS – Gross Train Weight = 21,000 kg
MAN TGL 12.250 BLS – Gross Train Weight = 24,000 kg

This is the simple summary of the whole thing, but obviously it all depends on the rest of the drive train. There are various axle rartio’s and gearboxes to choose from to achieve your desired weight and I dare say that dependant on your country will depend how many axles you need in total to achieve said weight. I’m guessing that what ever make of truck, the train weights must be similar if not the same.

Got anything to add? Email me at ben@truckblog.co.uk or leave a comment below, i’m off to read “How to Watch Paint Dry” by Major Lee Board!!! I just wanted to share it with you as i’ve gone on about it so much and no one could give the answer. Now you know and just think, I don’t have to tell you again……….But I might do more on the Duvenbeck if I can get a response from them.