Articulated Lorries and Tractor Units
44 tonne class 1 artics on lease, contract hire or hire purchase. Scania, Volvo, DAF, Mercedes Actros and MAN, configured to your haulage operation.
An articulated lorry is a class 1 HGV built for long-distance haulage. The tractor unit pulls a trailer at up to 44 tonne gross combination weight, typically over 40,000 kilometres a year and often double that on two-shift operations. Spec choices come thick and fast: sleeper cab size, Euro 6 engine power from 420 to 540 horsepower, axle configuration (4x2 is the UK norm, 6x2 for heavier loads), automated manual transmission, and the right fifth wheel plate and trailer coupling for your trailer fleet.
We supply class 1 tractor units from every major manufacturer on finance lease, contract hire or hire purchase, matched to your operation, annual mileage and replacement cycle. Lighter rigid work is covered on the rigid lorries page. Trailer hire and plant movement are handled via Sion Jones Plant Sales. For the finance options, the business van finance guide has a straightforward breakdown.
Why businesses choose us
Built around your operation
All Major Manufacturers
Scania, Volvo, DAF XG, Mercedes-Benz Actros and MAN TGX. We price across the panel so you see every cost-per-mile option.
Cab and Sleeper Options
Day cab for trunking, short sleeper for regional work, or full high-roof sleeper for long-haul Europe. Seats, fridges and auxiliary heaters spec'd to driver preference.
Euro 6 Engine Choice
420hp for general haulage, 480hp for heavier work, 510hp+ for mountain routes or continental. Torque and fuel numbers on the table before you order.
4x2 or 6x2 Axle Configs
4x2 for standard 44 tonne GCW, 6x2 midlift or tag axle for higher payload, tri-axle for heavier trailer combinations. Matched to the trailers you run.
R&M Contracts
Full repair and maintenance contracts tied to the lease, with manufacturer network coverage, so VOR time is minimised and the monthly cost is predictable.
Livery and Coupling Fit
Livery, couplings, mirror heads, side guards and light bars fitted before delivery so the unit enters service the day it arrives.
Who we serve
Built for these operators
Haulage Operators
Long-haul haulage firms running scheduled national and European routes that need fuel-efficient tractor units and predictable cost-per-mile.
Logistics Networks
Distribution centre operators and pallet networks running full artic fleets for multi-drop trunking and high-volume palletised freight.
Supermarket Distribution
Major retailers running dedicated, often temperature-controlled artic combinations on time-sensitive supply chain contracts.
Construction Haulage
Building materials and heavy plant transporters needing specialist flatbed and low-loader trailer combinations.
Pallet Networks
Regional and national pallet network operators using curtainsider artics for fast side-loading and multi-drop deliveries.
International Transport
Cross-border hauliers running Euro 6 tractor units with ADR capability for chemical, fuel and hazmat work into Europe.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
We supply class 1 tractor units rated for up to 44 tonne gross combination weight, the UK legal maximum. 4x2 tractors handle a standard 44 tonne combination, while 6x2 (midlift or tag axle) configurations carry higher payloads or heavier specialist trailers. We spec the unit to the trailers you run.
Yes. Contract hire is the most common route for tractor units because it keeps the residual risk with the lender and gives you a fixed monthly cost. Finance lease suits operators who want to manage the residual themselves. Hire purchase is an option for owner-drivers. We run the numbers across all three so you can compare cost-per-mile honestly.
Yes. Most operators take an R&M (repair and maintenance) contract alongside the lease so the monthly payment covers servicing, tyres and wear-and-tear. Manufacturer network coverage keeps VOR (vehicle off road) time low. We quote the maintenance element separately so you can judge whether it stacks up against running it yourself.
Stock tractor units in the manufacturer pipeline go in 6 to 12 weeks. Factory-ordered spec to your exact requirements is 4 to 6 months depending on configuration and build slot. We confirm a realistic date up front rather than an optimistic one.
Yes. Ex-lease and used artics are available through [Sion Jones Used Commercials](https://sionjonesusedcommercials.co.uk), typically 3 to 5 years old with a full service history. Finance on used vehicles is hire purchase or refinance, since contract hire on used stock is rarely worthwhile.
Yes. An articulated lorry with a gross combination weight over 7.5 tonne requires a category C+E (class 1) licence plus a valid Driver CPC. Drivers also need a valid digital tachograph card. If you're adding first-time drivers, plan for 4 to 6 weeks of training and testing.
Further reading
Guides for this industry
Ready to spec a tractor unit?
Talk to our Porthcawl team about cab spec, engine power, R&M contracts and finance. Honest pricing across the manufacturer panel.