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WORTH GETTING USED TO
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When CM tested the TG-A 410 4x2 tractor (19 October 2000) we concluded that the hype surrounding a major launch was, for once, very nearly matched by the reality. It delivered betterthan-average fuel figures, was lightweight enough to appeal to the weight conscious, and looked good enough to keep the drivers hap] With a competitive price tag and three-year repair and maintenance package thrown in we were sure operators would be more than happy with the new arrival.
Since the launch we've tested a series of T( As, concluding with the 360 L Tipmatic, and they've all confirmed our favourable initial reaction. But what can the operator expect if he picks up one on the used market?
To prepare forTG-As returning from fleet deals, and to promote demand for used MAI' in general, MAN Diesel was set up to cater ft low-mileage examples up to four years old.
Operators buying, contract hiring, or leash TG-As for fleet operations have generally favoured the narrower cab but the wider XL could well be a valuable purchase. It offers good ergonomics and will have particular appeal to small firms and owner-drivers.
But back deals impose strict conditions on the state of vehicles being returned, which must make these usedTG-As well worth a second look. The XL long-haul sleeper comes with a choice of two engines based on MAN's D28 Euro-3 six-pot DI diesel.The 12-litre 403hp version develops up to 1.850Nm of torque from just 900 to 1,300rpm.Its 12.8-litre 453hp stablemate has up to 2,100Nm of torque on tap.
They both have ZF transmissions:a model 192 box on the 403hp engine while the 453hp lump drives through a 222 box with an overdrive option.
Our test vehicle came with the lower powered engine and a direct-drive gearbox. NX51 AOH was first registered in September 2001 and in two years has clocked 268,000km:a little above average for a fleet tractor.
Along with 49 other TG-As it joined the Reed Boardall Group fleet two years ago and its service history shows that it was serviced at MAN dealerships in Middlesbrough and Gateshead.
No attention has been required beyond regular servicing.There is a five-tonne mid-lift axle and it's plated at 22,500kg GVW.
MAN Diesel is selling NX51 AOH for £33,250 (ex-VAT). which includes a full service, MoT and three-month comprehensive Gold warranty.
Potential buyers can even rent it for four weeks at 0.000 before deciding whether to buy:the £1,000 will count towards the selling price. Alternatively contract hire it at £231 (exVAT) over two years or £207 (ex-VAT) over three years.
Cap's Red Book for November estimates NX51 AOH worth at £32,750 (ex-VAT) and assumes 40,000km lesson the clock for a TGA of this vintage. Everyone pays close attention to consumption statistics, but we all know that in the real world driver, load, weather and terrain have a major influence on the final figures. in this case we were driving with a terrific head wind on day one,complete with rain, hailstones and brilliant sunshine.We also counted 10 extra stop/starts for traffic lights and roadworks.
Day two was windless, so there was no tailwind to balance things out on the return leg of our test route.
In fact the TG-A's bottom line of 755mpg is highly creditable considering the appalling conditions on day one.We recorded 7mpg over the A-road section.which has a major influence on the overall figure because the motorway section is so short.For the record, motorway consumption was 8.92mpg. Overall average speed was 41mph, with a motorway average of more than 50mph.
MAN even provided data from Germany showing how different temperatures affect fuel consumption.
For example. an ambient temperature of 20°C is said to improve on consumption at 0°C by 7% ,which would theoretically improve our figure of 7.55mpg to 8.08mpg. Payload with a tractor weighing less than eight tonnes will always be competitive:and for this test it was a fried breakfast over 29 tonnes.
Drivers, for obvious reasons, relish big cabs over big engines, and manufacturers would love to oblige them by supplying more topof-the-range products. But he who pays the piper calls the tune, and this, after all, is a fleet workhorse.
In fact the MAN XL cab with 403hp on tap is more than capable of running at its full plated 44 tonnes up and down the UK's motorways and trunk roads. Out on the open road NX51 AOH's average speed was very competitive: it was only when climbing hills that it was noticeably slower than more powerful vehicles.
For example,t he short sharp haul up Dinmore Hill was around 15sec behind trucks with 420hp-plus on call: travelling at the national speed limit on single-track A-roads does turn small climbs into a bit of challenge.
We found the gearing at 40mph over undulating roads favoured 8L at the top end of the peak-torque plateau. On the flat 8H positioned itself around 1,050rpm which soon dropped towards 900rpm when we got into a short hill climb. A split or full gear is the best option.
The ZF 16-speed direct-drive box has a range-change, a splitter and the very comfortable Comfort-Shift. For a quick split from low tc high or back again a flick of the button offers a Jensen Button type feel,although if it's a quick change you need around the H-pattern in the top range, you'd better use the clutch.
Holding a steady 40mph does leave the driver to choose between 8L and 8H. or a mixture of the two. Perhaps the 403hp version might benefit from an overdrive box to clear up this small grey area.
The only obvious sign that MAN ERF UK prepared this vehicle was its perfect bumper which looked specially buffed up.Apart from a service to make sure it met the strict MAN Diesel standard following its return from Reed Boardall,NX51AOH came to us straight from active service.
Our first impression was how well it drove with 270,000km on the clock.The shift towards torque-based engines has changed the way drivers use the driveline.
When travelling on dual carriageways and motorways the driveline allows the driver to lug down, hanging onto gears rather than changing up for hill climbs until much later. It has turned long distance driving into a near automatic experience, and with fewer changes comes improved fuel consumption. Our return leg along the M5/ M40 bears this out.
As soon as we picked up NX51 AOH from Middlewich we realised just how well it had aged. From behind the steering wheel travelling at 56mph is quieter than just about anything we've experienced.
Handling is light and smooth and responsive, due in part to having sufficient weight up to maximise the limits of the front axle. Quite simply. this is a competent truck with a sound driveline.
Cab quality We have no idea if the cab has been used for regular nights away, but judging by appearances the bunk's only been used as a storage area. The cab is absolutely immaculate, belying its two years' hard use, and that's a compliment to drivers and fitters alike.
In fact the only wear we spotted was on the steering wheel logo. Even the two external lockers were free of oil and fifth-wheel grease. There's is a 100mm engine hump rising from pristine footwells, and if many drivers' have ventured across it they must have been wearing carpet slippers.
Unlike many fleet tractors this one seems to have covered a lot of ground in its two years' service without being abused. We were sorry to give it back. •