Tractor units
Used tractorheads for sale
Tractorheads
A tractorhead (tractor unit) is the motorised vehicle designed to haul semi-trailers in road freight transport. It is the backbone of European international haulage, with configurations ranging from the standard 4x2 for highway use to 6x4 for heavy-duty applications.
Tractorheads by brand
The European tractor unit market is dominated by seven major manufacturers, each with distinctive characteristics:
- Renault Trucks: The T range (460, 480, 520 HP) with DTI 11 and DTI 13 engines excels in fuel efficiency. The T High version offers a raised cab for maximum long-haul comfort. The Optidriver automated transmission is among the smoothest on the market.
- DAF: The XF and CF series with 12.9-litre PACCAR MX engines are a benchmark in reliability. The XF 510 is one of the most sought-after vehicles in international transport. The new XG+ sets a new standard in interior space.
- Mercedes-Benz: The Actros features MirrorCam technology (cameras replacing mirrors), Active Brake Assist 5 and Predictive Powertrain Control that adjusts driving to the terrain. The OM 471 12.8L engine delivers 421 to 530 HP.
- Volvo: The FH series with I-Shift transmission is the benchmark in active safety. D13 13-litre engines offer 420 to 540 HP. The regenerative braking system and Volvo Dynamic Steering reduce fatigue and fuel consumption.
- Scania: The R and S series use 13 and 16-litre (V8) engines with outputs up to 770 HP. The Opticruise transmission and Scania's own retarder are considered the best in the industry. Scania also excels in predictive maintenance programmes.
- MAN: The TGX series with D26 (12.4L) and D38 (15.2L) engines offers robustness and durability. The MAN EfficientCruise system uses GPS and topographic data to optimise fuel consumption.
- Iveco: The S-Way (successor to the Stralis) is powered by Cursor 11 and Cursor 13 engines delivering 400 to 570 HP. Iveco pioneered LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) with the Stralis NP, offering ranges of up to 1,600 km on gas.
Retarder and braking systems
A retarder is an auxiliary electromagnetic or hydrodynamic braking system fitted to the driveline. It reduces service brake wear by up to 90% on mountain routes, significantly improving safety and reducing maintenance costs. The main types are the hydrodynamic retarder (Voith, ZF), the intarder integrated into the gearbox (ZF, Mercedes) and the engine brake with exhaust valve (Jake Brake). For long-distance international transport, a retarder is practically essential.
Power take-off (PTO) and hydraulics
The power take-off transmits engine power to auxiliary equipment such as hydraulic pumps, compressors or generators. It is essential for tractor units working with tipper trailers, pressure-discharge tankers or refrigeration units. The most common configurations are gearbox-dependent PTO (only works with the vehicle stationary) and engine-independent PTO (works while driving).
Euro emission standards
Euro standards regulate pollutant emissions from heavy vehicles in the European Union. Euro 6 (in force since 2014) requires post-treatment systems such as SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with AdBlue and DPF particulate filters. Euro 5 and earlier vehicles face circulation restrictions in low-emission zones (LEZ) in European cities. The upcoming Euro 7 (Regulation (EU) 2024/1257) will further tighten NOx and particulate limits: for heavy vehicles it applies to new types approved from 29 May 2028 and to all new registrations from 29 May 2029, and it does not affect vehicles already registered.
Axle configuration
The standard configuration for long-distance transport is 4x2 (two axles, rear-wheel drive), offering the lowest kerb weight and fuel consumption. For more demanding applications, 6x2 (three axles, one steered) is ideal when greater payload is needed. The 6x4 (three axles, twin drive) is used in construction and off-road, as is the 4x4 for full off-road capability.
Used tractorheads in Europe
Find used Volvo, Scania, DAF, Mercedes, Renault, MAN and Iveco tractorheads. Shipping across Europe from Lleida, Spain.
Frequently asked questions
How does the LEZ and future Euro 7 affect the residual value of a Euro 5/6 tractor today?
On tractor units, working life is roughly 1,500,000-2,000,000 km as a guide, depending on use and maintenance, and mileage and condition weigh as much as age in the value. Spain's Law 7/2021 requires municipalities of over 50,000 inhabitants and island territories to have LEZs, but each city sets its own restrictions based on the DGT environmental label: as a rule, a heavy vehicle registered from 2014 (Euro 6) carries the C label and one from 2006 (Euro 4 or 5) the B label. A Euro 5 still has buyers in export markets (Morocco, North Africa, Eastern Europe) and on routes that do not enter cities; a Euro 6 is the option with the fewest foreseeable restrictions. Euro 7 only affects new vehicles (new types from 2028, all new registrations from 2029), not tractor units already registered.Intra-EU registration: how long to bring a tractor from Germany or the Netherlands?
Deregistration at origin + zero-VAT intra-EU invoice + transport to Spain + reduced homologation (24-48h with COC + post-2002 EU reduced tech file) + DGT fees + plate, with a fixed quote before we start. Total: 7-15 days. Intra-EU VAT 0% if buyer is a registered economic operator (VIES, Spanish form 349). Coatrucks sources German stock (Mercedes, MAN, DAF) and Dutch stock (DAF, Iveco) with origin-to-destination paperwork handled.Tractor pre-purchase technical verification: what to demand before closing?
Minimum professional appraisal: forensic digital tachograph download (.ddd file, cryptographic signature — verifies real km and driver hours), full EOBD/ECU diagnostic (DTCs + history of cleared faults), dynamic test of the automated gearbox (under-load shifts, kick-down), retarder verification (effectiveness, noise) and optional dyno test. Coatrucks runs internal technical appraisal pre-sale — request raw report.Tractor setup for tanker, refrigerated, bulk or car carrier: what changes?
Tanker (kingpin weight ~750 kg): 4x2 tractor with air suspension, retarder and automated gearbox. Refrigerated (similar kingpin): same as tanker, fuel efficiency is key. Bulk/tipper: tractor with integrated hydraulics (PTO pump, oil circuit) and sometimes 6x2/6x4. Car carrier: fixed gooseneck, steered front axle, lowered platform — special config, rare in European used stock.Self-employed vs Ltd. company when buying a tractor: what changes tax-wise?
Self-employed: 100% VAT deductible if business-related (transport licence + CPC). IRPF amortisation 4-25%/year. Ltd./SA: immediate VAT deduction + IS amortisation deductible from pre-tax profit. For IRPF margins >30% or fleets of 2+ tractors, Ltd. saves €20-35k over 5 years per tractor (the higher the purchase price, the more it amortises). Operating leasing in Ltd. is off-balance. Consult your accountant for your specific scenario.Operating lease, full-service rental or direct purchase for long-haul fleet: which works?
Purchase: immediate VAT + 4-25%/year amortisation (€85k tractor → €17k/year over 5 years). Operating lease: 100% expense, off-balance, final purchase option. Full-service rental: covers scheduled maintenance + MOT + tyres + 24/7 assistance + replacement (key for long-haul: one breakdown without rental = days idle). Comparison €85k Euro 6 over 5 years: purchase ~€17k/year, lease ~€21k/year, rental ~€26k/year all services.Outstanding finance or bankruptcy: can the tractor still be bought?
Outstanding finance: yes. Coatrucks cancels directly with the lender (BBVA, Santander, BNP Paribas, MAN Financial Services, Volvo Financial Services…) at operation time — buyer pays the agreed price and the difference with the loan is deducted. Bankruptcy title: requires court authorisation (insolvency administrator approves the sale). Verify lien status at the Movable Property Registry. Coatrucks runs charges due diligence on every operation.Do Coatrucks tractor units come with a warranty?
No. Coatrucks only sells to professionals (companies and self-employed operators), and a sale between professionals carries no warranty: the vehicle is delivered as it stands. That is why you can come to Lleida to see and test it before buying, ask us for photos or videos of any detail and review the paperwork and history we have. Full pre-delivery inspection + tachograph download included at no extra cost.AdBlue, DPF, EGR by tractor engine: known issues per brand?
Mercedes OM471 (Actros): AdBlue injectors crystallise after long stops (~€600 fix). Volvo D13K (FH): EGR valve can clog in urban use. Scania DC13 (R/G): very reliable, rare front NOx sensor fault (~€250). DAF MX-13 (XF): DPF regenerates well, issues if vehicle parked >2 weeks. Iveco Cursor 13 (S-Way/Stralis): pre-2018 AdBlue pump issues (fixed from 2019). Renault DTI 13 (T): acceptable, SCR pipe issues in extreme use. Coatrucks verifies SCR + cleans DPF pre-delivery.Voith, Telma, Intarder or primary engine brake on a tractor: when each?
Voith hydrodynamic (common on Mercedes, MAN): most powerful, extends brake life 80%, ideal for mountain/heavy tonnage. Intarder (ZF gearbox-integrated, on MAN/Iveco): integrated in transmission, lower weight, 70% effectiveness. Telma electromagnetic (rare in Europe, common in Asia): contactless, minimal maintenance. Primary engine brake on Volvo (VEB+), Scania (RB80), Mercedes: standard, complements the retarder. For European long-haul with descents: hydrodynamic or intarder is essential.Tractor 4x2 vs 6x2 with lift axle: which to pick for my route?
4x2 (two axles) is standard for 40t GVW in Spain: lightest, most efficient, cheapest. 6x2 with lift axle (tag or pusher) adds a third lifting wheel that only lowers when loaded: allows 44t-48t GVW in Germany, Netherlands and Northern Europe, better brake weight distribution, lower empty consumption (axle up). Worth it if your route includes Germany/Netherlands with 40t+ tonnage, or wind blade/oversized machinery transport. For standard Spanish routes: 4x2.Real TCO €/km of a long-haul tractor: what's included and how much?
Euro 6 long-haul 4x2 tractor at 180,000 km/year: TCO ~€0.80-1.05/km. Breakdown: fuel €0.38/km (28 L/100), AdBlue €0.02/km (6% of fuel), tyres €0.04/km (change at 250k km), tolls €0.15/km (mixed EU routes), scheduled maintenance €0.08/km, MOT/insurance €0.04/km, depreciation €0.12/km (€85k purchase over 5 years), tax €0.03/km. For fleets add management + IT + tachograph + CPC training + uniforms. Full-service rental adds ~€0.05/km flat but removes several line items.