MAN puts new TGS 8x2 tag-axle rigid through its paces in quarry

MAN skipped the marketing brochure this time and let customers loose on its actual range: the 2026 Off-Road Experience at Tixover Quarry near Stamford put vehicles from 3.5 to 32 tonnes through their paces on genuinely rough ground, not a test track polished for the cameras. For fleets weighing HGV specification against real operating conditions, seeing the metal move on quarry terrain tells you more than a spec sheet ever will.

The line-up on show included TGS construction roadshow models running the MAN D26 12.4-litre six-cylinder Euro VI engine at 440, 480 or 540 PS, alongside the new TGS 8x2 rigid making its debut with an electrohydraulic lift-and-steer rear tag axle fitted ex-factory. Also present were the TGM 4x2 at 18 tonnes GVW with a 250 PS D08 engine, the TGE 4x4 van running a 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel with a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, and static electric variants including the eTGS HYVA Sliploader and eTGX HYVA wetkit tractor. Managing Director Jan Kohlmeier and Head of Product Management Nick Handy were both on hand for the event, according to MAN Truck & Bus.

Why this matters: If you're specifying tag-axle rigids or construction-cycle tractors, the 8x2's ex-factory lift-and-steer axle and the D26's power spread are worth a closer look before you default to last year's order sheet. Fleets running mixed electric and diesel yards should also note the electric eTGS and eTGX were on static display rather than in the driven line-up, per MAN Truck & Bus.