The traditional large Christmas tree has been illuminating St. Peter's Square in the Vatican City since December 7. The Italian special transport company Santoni had previously picked up the approximately 29-metre-high fir tree with its MAN TGS special semi-trailer truck from Ledro in the northern Italian province of Trento, 650 kilometers away. In the forests there, the Christmas tree was carefully selected from the fir trees that were felled according to strict sustainability criteria. They are PEFC-certified, which guarantees sustainable forest management. Due to the enormous size of the tree, which was secured for transport with nets and ropes, the special transport combination with its brand-new MAN TGS 26.540 6X2 tractor unit had a total length of 34 meters and a width of around 3.5 meters and therefore had to make most of its journey to Rome during the night hours when there was less traffic.

“It was an extraordinary combination that this very special transport coincided with the first official journey of our new MAN TGS 26.540,” says Managing Director Giacomo Santoni, who was involved in this special job with his team from the very beginning, from felling the Christmas tree and supporting the loggers with the company's own crane to the transport to Rome: “Of course, I really wanted to sit behind the wheel myself. Firstly, because I had personally chosen this vehicle. Secondly, because it was not a routine transport. I was very relieved that everything went smoothly - because I felt the burden of responsibility. At the same time, I felt vindicated in my choice of truck.”

The MAN TGS 26.540 6x2 is equipped with the latest D26 Euro 6e engine, a reliable 12.4-liter six-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 540 hp (397 kW) and a torque of 2,650 Nm. It also features the latest generation of the automated MAN TipMatic gearbox, a retarder and a power take-off for the special hydraulic system, which was manufactured with “tailor-made care” by Alpi Gru from Trento. Another special feature of this vehicle is the fifth wheel coupling, which can be adjusted in the longitudinal position. It not only allows the combination with different types and lengths of semi-trailers, but also helps to optimize the axle load distribution. Also specially requested by Santoni Srl are the two load eyes on the front cross member under the radiator grille, which are used for the stable attachment of ropes and tie-down ropes.

“I really wanted this MAN TGS 26.540,” says Giacomo Santoni. “We already had good experience with another MAN TGS that we bought seven years ago. It is equipped with HydroDrive front-wheel drive, which makes it an efficient all-wheel drive vehicle. That vehicle is still part of our fleet, and after the good experience we decided to go for this TGS. The new series has an updated cab that is even more spacious and comfortable - which I was able to see for myself on this long journey.”