Scania Australia is putting its new Super 11-litre five-cylinder engine to work in one of the toughest urban applications, rolling out a front-lift waste demonstrator promising lower fuel use, more payload and improved manoeuvrability.
Waste operators facing rising operating costs are among the first fleets Scania is targeting with its new Super 11 powertrain, which the manufacturer says can cut fuel consumption by 7 per cent compared with its previous-generation 9-litre five-cylinder engine.
The new engine is available in 350hp, 390hp and 430hp versions, with torque outputs of 1800Nm, 2000Nm and 2200Nm respectively. It is paired with Scania’s new 14-speed Opticruise transmission, which is also lighter than the gearbox it replaces.
“Waste company executives are telling us that for the first time they are very focused on their fuel burn costs, so the arrival of our more fuel-efficient Super 11-litre powertrains are timely,” Scania Australia Director of Truck Sales Benjamin Nye said.
The combination of a lighter engine and transmission is particularly relevant in waste applications, where every kilogram saved in chassis weight can translate into additional payload.
“This new powertrain therefore allows greater payload for operators, with lower operating costs, leading to greater operational profitability,” Nye said.
“For fleets with significant numbers of vehicles on the road all day, every day, these savings will make their presence felt in the P&L reports.”
Super 11 hits the road
Scania has commissioned a front-lift body from Superior Pak for a demonstrator that is now touring Australia, giving waste operators the opportunity to assess the new powertrain in an application where low-speed control, visibility and fuel efficiency are critical.
The Super 11 has been designed for a working life up to 25 per cent longer than the previous engine, with Scania expecting it to be capable of reaching two million kilometres depending on the application. Maintenance intervals can also be up to 30 per cent longer than Scania’s 9-litre engines.
Alternative fuels are also part of the equation. The Super 11 range is compatible with HVO, while the 390hp and 430hp variants can run on B100 biodiesel, which Scania says can deliver CO2 emissions reductions of up to 85 per cent depending on operating conditions.
Underneath the headline fuel savings are several new technologies, including Scania’s cam phaser variable valve timing system, revised engine software and balance shafts. The Variable Valve Brake system can provide up to 344kW of engine braking.
For waste fleets working through tight urban streets and difficult collection points, the transmission could be just as important as the engine.
The 14-speed Opticruise offers crawler gears designed to provide fine control at very low speeds, while operators can still specify the traditional six-speed Allison automatic.
“Our new Super 11 front-lift proves that you can have the efficiencies of our 14-speed Opticruise, with the ability to approach bins at crawling pace,” Nye said.
“We have excellent manoeuvrability for picking up bins in tight spaces.”
Designed around the driver
Scania is also highlighting its low-entry cab as an advantage for operators whose drivers can be climbing in and out of the truck throughout a shift.
The cab requires only two steps for entry, while its low dashboard and forward seating position are designed to improve visibility around the vehicle.
Driver assistance technology includes Advanced Emergency Braking with pedestrian collision warning, designed to detect pedestrians around the front, side and rear of the truck.
Operators can further tailor the truck through different engine, gearbox and axle combinations, while optional air suspension with Scania’s built-in weighing system allows the chassis height to be adjusted for difficult access locations.
Scania expects the 350hp and 390hp engines to be the most popular choices for front-lift applications. Configured as a rigid, the truck can operate at up to 28.5 tonnes, including an additional 500kg on the steer axle where its Euro 6e compliance and required safety systems allow.
The Super 11 front-lift demonstrator is currently travelling around Australia and is also scheduled to appear at Waste Expo Australia at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 28–29 October 2026.
