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BIBBY DI
Page 44
Page 45
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Geoff Mitchell Engineering manager Bibby Distribution, a subsidiary of the Bibby Line Group, operates out of 40 sites throughout the UK. Engineering manager Geoff Mitchell is responsible for 560 trucks and 550 trailers. The fleet, which features a number of marques such as Scania, Daf. Volvo, Renault and MAN, operates on dedicated distribution contracts for major customers. It includes 25 6x4 rigid tankers Dafs, Scanias, Volvos and 22 MANs employed on milk collection from farms in Lanarkshire and Cumbria.
MAN curtain call
Bibby also runs a number of MAN 6x2 rigid curtainsiders on distribution contracts,which together make up the biggest collection of MAN six-wheelers in the UK.
When we took on the milk contract, some years ago we also took over the customer's fleet of Fodens." Mitchell says."Over a period we replaced them with Dafs and then in turn they have been replaced by MAN six-wheelers. On our most recent assessment we were very encouraged by the MANs' fuel consumption.They're averaging 7.8mpg, which is 0.5mpg better than the Dafs we were operating in 2000 and lmpg better than the Fodens returned in 1998.
-These trucks run 24 hours a day 365 days of the year and average just under 90,000 miles a year plus a lot of pumping time. We specify the larger 300-litre fuel tanks to last a full shift.
"The MAN chassis was slightly lighter than the Daf, which gave us an extra 250 litres payload.The tank capacity on the 6x4s is 15,900 litres but we also operate smaller 4x2 tankers and larger capacity rear-steer artics on the milk contracts.
The 6x4 gives us the traction needed to operate in hilly conditions throughout the year while MAN's narrow cab makes for easier access down narrow lanes and through the farm gates. As our drivers don't carry any equipment in the cab it's big enough inside.
-We have depots at Kendal and at Stepps.The dealer is only 100 yards down the road at Kendal, which was another point in the MAN's favour. We buy the trucks outright with an R&M contract for six years and a final buy-back agreement that includes 50% tyre life and general fair wear and tear. The FTA's vehicle inspectors adjudicate where any disagreements on condition may arise. We keep the tanks for 18 years so they see out three truck chassis.
Good test for steps
"There was an initial fault with the lower step mountingour drivers can make up to 50 calls a day so it gets a good test. It's been modified now and it's not a problem any longer.The engine has been very reliable and we're happy with the power but we've had problems with gearbox synchros.
"Milk can be quite smelly if it's allowed to linger but the cabs have rubber mats that can be washed out easily. All 6x4s eat tyres and the MAN is no different to any other six-wheelers the fronts go first, at about 30.000km hut whole-life costs for the MAN are better than for our other six-wheelers. It's the fuel consumption that makes the difference. as purchase price, maintenance and residual vales are comparable.
"We have included them in tenders for the next round of replacements". delivered from 1,100 through to 1,700rpm and all of this with just two valves per cylinder while complying with the Euro-3 emissions legislation.
The standard 4.1:1 drive ratio gives a geared top speed of 72rriph; at 50mph the engine works at just over 1,650rpm. A lower 4.62:1 ratio improves gradeability and might make the truck easier to drive over hilly terrain but is likely to prove less frugal overall as it raises engine speed to 1 ,875rpm at 50mph. It's slightly heavier than its predecessor, but while the Germans still have trouble coming to grips with the UK's obsession for payload, this chassis-cab, weighing 6.73 tonnes, is the exception to the rule as it's just about as light as a middleweight tipper can be.
To minimize weight MAN kept the basic specification simple by incorporating Eaton's nine-speed synchromesh box, a single-dry-plate clutch,steel suspension,cross-axle and inter-axle diff-locks and disc/ drum brakes.To offset this there a long options list,including a steel front bumper.high-capacity compressor. a more powerful alternator and battery packs.
Although compact. the steel cab was adequately appointed with an air-suspended seat, adjustable steering column and gauges and warning lamps for the major functions.Thefloorwas covered in rubber and storage pockets graced both doors.