
A typical semi-trailer truck (or tractor-trailer) is quite powerful. The power specifications depend on whether you're referring to the tractor unit that pulls the trailer or the combined vehicle.
For the tractor unit alone:
- Most modern semi trucks have diesel engines with 400-600 horsepower
- Torque ratings typically range from 1,400 to 2,000+ lb-ft of torque
- This high torque is what allows them to pull such heavy loads, especially when starting from a stop or climbing hills
The true capability of a semi is measured in its hauling capacity:
- In the US, a standard fully loaded tractor-trailer can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds (about 36,000 kg)
- Special permits allow for even heavier loads in certain circumstances
- They can typically pull trailers up to 53 feet long in the US
This combination of high torque and load capacity makes semi-trucks essential for moving goods across long distances efficiently. The power-to-weight ratio is optimized for hauling rather than speed, which is why they're designed to maintain steady speeds on highways rather than for rapid acceleration.
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