The Renault Kerax is a medium and heavy-duty truck built by Renault Trucks for the construction industry, available as a rigid body or a tractor unit. It was launched in 1997, fully upgraded in 2006, and production ended in 2019, when it was replaced by the C and K ranges.
Renault Kerax at a glance
| Maker | Renault Trucks; built in Kaluga, Russia |
|---|---|
| Production | 1997–2019 |
| Type | construction truck, rigid or tractor |
| Engine from 2009 | DXi11, 11.1 litres, Euro V |
| Power outputs | 380, 430 and 460 bhp |
| Gearboxes | 16-speed manual or 12-speed automated |
| Cab widths | 2,300 mm, length 1,600 to 2,200 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,200 to 6,000 mm |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Renault Kerax.
History of the Renault Kerax
A construction lorry
The Kerax was launched in 1997 and aimed squarely at the construction industry, offered either as a rigid truck or as a tractor unit. It was fully upgraded in 2006, and production ended in 2013 and 2019, when it was replaced by the C and K ranges with Euro VI engines; military versions, however, remain available.
Engines
Since 2009 the Kerax has used the DXi11 11.1-litre six-cylinder diesel, Euro V compliant, in three ratings: 380 bhp with 1,800 N·m, 430 bhp with 2,040 N·m and 460 bhp with 2,200 N·m. Buyers could choose a 16-speed manual gearbox or an automated 12-speed unit. Before 2009 the truck used Euro III DXi11 10.8-litre engines of 330, 380 and 440 bhp.
Chassis and production
Suspension varied by model, parabolic on the 26-tonne version and semi-elliptical on the 32-tonne one. Three cabs were offered, all 2,300 mm wide but between 1,600 and 2,200 mm long, and the wheelbase ranged from 3,200 to 6,000 mm. The Kerax was built in the Russian city of Kaluga at the Volvo Trucks factory that opened in 2009, and a Mack Defense Kerax 8×8 was developed for military use.
Design and features
- Construction focus: rigid and tractor versions for building-site work.
- DXi11 engines: 11.1 litres and up to 460 bhp with 2,200 N·m.
- Gearbox choice: a 16-speed manual or a 12-speed automated transmission.
- Military derivative: the Mack Defense Kerax 8×8.
Renault Kerax versions
- Kerax rigid: the construction body version.
- Kerax tractor: for pulling trailers.
- 26-tonne and 32-tonne models: with parabolic or semi-elliptical suspension.
- Mack Defense Kerax 8×8: military version.
The Kerax sat between the lighter Renault Midlum and the long-haul Renault Magnum and Renault Premium. More vehicles are in the Renault collection.
Video: Shifting a 16-speed Renault Kerax 380 dCi
Video by Winston Rich on YouTube.
Sources
- Renault Kerax, English Wikipedia: launch, engines, chassis, production
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