MAN 18.500 4X2 BL

The four abbreviations together form MAN's Trucknology Generation: TGL for the light class, TGM for the medium, TGS for the heavy and TGX for the heavy long-haul class. TGS and TGX share their engineering largely; what separates them is the cab and the layout. The TGS is the worker, the TGX the traveller.

The practical dividing line follows from that. Anyone running construction, tipper, silo, hooklift or heavy distribution work ends up with the TGS. Anyone sleeping in the vehicle night after night is better served by the TGX. Between the two it is not power that decides but the cab and frame design.

The axle configuration usually stands right after the type number: 4x2, 6x2, 6x4, 8x4. It says how many wheels there are and how many of them are driven. For site work it is the single most important figure — an 8x4 reaches places where a 4x2 stops, regardless of horsepower.

For used purchases the rule of all commercial vehicles applies: the type number gives weight and power but no year. Two TGS 18.440 can be a decade apart in emissions stage, gearbox and equipment. What decides is first registration and emissions standard.