Feedback est tiefueo F12
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After reading your reports on the road test of the Volvo Fl 2 (CM, February 12) I would like to give you my comments.
I drive a left-hand-drive F12 solely on Middle East journeys for a Scottish firm. We have six Fl 2s, one F89 and seven DAF 2800 DKSs, including one 6x4.
When comparing the Fl 2 to the OAF, its ability off its mark in traffic is helped immensely by the synchromesh gearbox. After a hard day's drive through eastern Turkey, your left leg does not ache and you feel a lot fresher. This, as you say, is the cab insulation and good cab suspension. We find that you tend to go a bit faster over bad roads, which you couldn't do with the DAF without breaking your arms or back I find that the only truck to look at the F12 on Middle East roads is the Scania 141. but that has much more power. I also like the position of the fuel filters, as they are getting heat from the engine I think this helps to stop the fuel from freezing up. The DAF seems to be the first one to do so.
On the F12 there is no excuse for not checking the oil, especially on the left-hooker, as the compartment for the dipstick and oil filler stares you in the face.
The first trip we did with the Fl 2s we were a bit worried as they used six to eight gallons of oil, but there was a difference on the second trip. I talked to two owner-drivers and they said theirs was the same but after 40,000 miles, oil consumption was almost nil.
I have asked for an oil pressure gauge to be fitted as I don't trust the red light warning This is handy if the engine is running all night. I would have preferred the rev counter in rpm.
The door handles are well situated (as I am a bit short in the leg) and you don't get that tinny sound when you shut the door. I am really pleased with the exhaust brake compared to the F88 290. and as you say it can slow you up when on the motorway.
The fuel consumption is good and does not seem to vary much with different weights With slightly more weight than the law allows in this country. I was averaging 6mpg in Eastern Turkey and at 32 tons about 61/2mpg, which everyone seems pleased with.
It has really good traction — even without the diff lock engaged, we managed to keep driving on roads without snow chains, where the DAF would have been sliding all over the place. It is a wonder DAF do not fit diff locks, because once that limited slip diff slips, you have got to put chains on where the diff lock would do.
As I say, I can only compare the Fl 2 with the DAF but I think the F12 wins. Even the headlight washers are a Godsend. they should be compulsory in the UK One of the things I don't like is the front bumper. You have to be extra-careful when boarding ferries. We use the German railways and when going up the ramp, it comes very close to catching. I have seen one come off. It does not look as strong as the one on the F89. no doubt made with weight in mind. but at about £200 it's an expensive item Another thing is the position of the valve for the air-line. It would have been better in the old place under the dash instead of almost under the electrics. Also there is no way to lock the pump for the tilt cab. Anyone could tilt the cab, then put their arm in and open the door. At least you can't lock yourself out.
I have also had trouble with headlight bulbs, and found it hard to get replacements outside Europe. I usually carry two spare bulbs if I can get them If the Fl 2 does as well as our F89 has done over the past two years, there can't be any complaints_ ROBERT ERSKINE, Gorebridge, Midlothian.