Sisu R-141
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(from 1981 Oy Sisu-Auto Ab)
| Sisu R-141, R-142, R-143, R-144, R-145, R-146, R-148 and R-149 | |
|---|---|
Sisu R-141BPT 4×2 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Oy Suomen Autoteollisuus Ab (from 1981 Oy Sisu-Auto Ab) |
| Also called | Jyry-Sisu[1] |
| Production | 1970[2]–ca. 1982[3] |
| Assembly | Karis, Finland |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | R-141: 4×2 R-142: 6×2 R-143: 6×4 R-144: 4×4 R-145: 4×4+2 R-146: 6×6 R-148: 4×2 R-149: 6×4[2] |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | Leyland, Rolls-Royce and Cummins diesels; 210–405 hp[1] → table |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | → table |
| Width | 2,430 mm |
| Height | 2,640 mm |
| Kerb weight | from 5,810 kg[4] → table |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Sisu K-141...148[1] |
| Successor | Sisu SR |

Sisu R-series is a 2–3-axle lorry model series made by the Finnish heavy vehicle producer Suomen Autoteollisuus (SAT) in 1970–1982. The series consists of 4×2-driven R-141 and R-148, 6×2-driven R-142, 6×4-driven R-143 and R-149, 4×4-driven R-144, 4×4+2-driven R-145 and 6×6-driven R-146. Typical applications are logging trucks, dumper trucks and long-distance transportation haulers which pull conventional and semi-trailers.
The predecessors of the series were Sisu K-141...148. R-series was replaced by the 1982 introduced Sisu SR-series.
The R-series belongs to the producer's heavy duty Jyry range and it is based on the preceding models. Similar to the previous range, the R-type is equipped with a tiltable, single piece bonnet made from reinforced plastic as standard. Use of plastic is further increased in various cabin parts.[5]
Previously, Sisu tandems were equipped with an in-house developed mechanism that lifted the rearmost axle. The solution was not very reliable and it had led to a number of warranty claims. The main domestic competitor Vanajan Autotehdas had developed an outstanding lifting tandem mechanism. SAT took over the producer when the designing work of R-series was ongoing, and adopted the mechanism to Sisus.[6] The Vanaja type lifting tandem used in R-142 6×2 variant was the most significant new feature in the R-series.[1]
Production
R-series was officially launched in 1970 together with forward-control M-series.[7] Initially the range consisted 4×2-driven R-141 and R-148, R-142 with 6×2 layout and R-149 6×4. 4×4+2-driven R-145 was launched in 1971, R-143 6×4 in 1972, R-144 4×4 in 1976 and R-146 in 1978.[2] The R-148 4×2 and R-149 6×4 differ from the similar layout models R-141 4×2 and R-143 6×4 by the engine and cabin location; the first mentioned models are with a short overhang, in the others the power unit is pushed more forward creating a long overhang, in order to optimise load distribution between the axles.[1]
The applications include semi-trailer haulers, earthmovers, logging vehicles, flatbed haulers and tankers. Bronto Skylift used R-142 chassis for its 32-metre high reaching aerial platforms. The 6×4-driven R-143 was targeted to poor terrain conditions and closed construction sites without weight restrictions; the 4×4+2-driven R-145 was in particular for logging use on and off road conditions. The 1978 launched R-146 6×6 was designated to haul heavy flatbed trailers and it was made by combining existing components of the range.[1]
Some units were exported: Colombian transportation company FSM & CIA bought five R-142s to haul semi-trailers with bitumen tanks.[1]
