Since the last few years, trucks with muzzles have become rare and hard to find on the roads. Unfortunately, a number of manufacturers have stopped production and switched to flat-faced trucks. Then, what are the advantages and disadvantages of a truck with a muzzle?
Product Division Head of PT Hino Motor Sales Indonesia (HMSI), Seno Wirdiyawantoro, said that trucks with muzzles had recently been abandoned by domestic consumers. According to him, consumers prefer pug trucks with a relieved carrying capacity.
"The need for commercial vehicles is not to go there, but rather how to make a lot of money through (large) carrying capacity," Seno told detikOto in South Jakarta recently.
According to Seno, the small carrying capacity is the main drawback of the muzzle truck. This is because the dimensions that should be long to the rear for cargo are actually 'truncated' for the engine room in front.
"In Indonesia, according to Hino's opinion, trucks with a muzzle are most likely not to sell. Why? It has eaten the length of the body," he explained.
"So, the length of the body which should have been (cargo) had to be cut because there was a muzzle. So consumers prefer to finish off the muzzle, move the engine under the seat, but increase the load behind it," he continued.
Advantages of Muzzle Trucks
Not only disadvantages, muzzle trucks actually have a number of advantages. For example, said Seno, when an accident occurs it is safer. Because, the muzzle in front can protect the driver's body from a direct impact.
In addition, Seno added, trucks with a muzzle are also better aerodynamically than flat trucks. However, once again, it all depends on how the market demands.
"When talking about the other side, such as aerodynamics, as an engineer, I say that it is better for trucks to use the muzzle. In addition to better aerodynamics, in terms of security or safety it is also safer. Because when there is an incident (accident), the muzzle can be blocked," said Seno.