VERDICT
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The Kerax might be a forgotten model range but, like other Renault products, it is gaining wider acceptance. There are more powerful and lighter trucks in the eight-wheeler market, but few with the same reputation for off-road durability. A high ground clearance and protected underbelly makes it an ideal truck for arduous muckaway work. All three operators we talked to were happy to keep the specification simple with the 34ohp engine, nine-speed transmission and steel suspension; they liked the way it drove. Fuel consumption is not great, but these trucks spend a lot of time tipping with the engine at idle, and use low gear to get on and off sites. There are few faults to complain of, but brake linings and rear drums wear more quickly than operators would like. The Premium-style cab brings a level of comfort which comes as a welcome surprise on this class of truck. How times have changed: not a bad word was said about Renault's dealer backup.