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Berliets on show in Glasgow
Page 48
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• An "English" version of the Berliet TR280 35/38-ton tractive unit will be on show in Glasgow throughout the period of the Scottish Commercial Vehicle Show (November 9-17) although it will not be at Kelvin Hall itself.
Berliet has not built rhd models of its tractive units previously and the vehicle on show will be the first of a batch of specially built rhd models destined for Britain. Berliet is offering delivery starting in April next year and hopes to sell up to 200 units here in 1974.
A leading feature of the Berliet is its very attractive cab which features a high level of driver comfort. Long and short versions of the cab are built but only the long one wilt be offered here which will not include bunks and curtains etc, normally fitted with the long sleeper cab.
The long cab is necessary as the TR280 uses an in-line six cylinder engine which would extend past the back of the short cab. There are no plans as yet to introduce the larger 320 bhp V8-engined models.
The engine fitted in the TR280 is a 12-litre turbocharged unit developing 244 bhp at 1800 rpm to BS AU 141a: 1971. Maximum torque is 867 lb ft at 1300 rpm. Berliet designate the engine "Maxi Torque" because of its very good torque back-up characteristics which almost give constant horse power between 1800 rpm and maximum engine speed of 2200 rpm.
A Berliet clutch using hydraulic actuation, and pneumatic assistance is matched to a Fuller RTO 9509A gearbox. Four rear axle ratios are available the highest 5.85 to 1 — giving a maximum roadspeed of 60 mph. The front axle is plated at 6 tons and the rear axle at 10 tons. The rear axle is a Berliet double reduction design having its secondary reduction in the wheel hubs and is a 13-ton design but plating on both front and rear axles is limited by the tyre equipment which is Michelin 11 x 22.5 SC as standard. Larger tyres are available for plating at higher weights, if the vehicle is • to be used abroad for example. No firm price is available yet but it is expected to be approximately £9000.
No dealers have been appointed yet to sell or service the vehicles but plans are at an advanced stage and dealers will be announced before the vehicles become generally available.
In addition to the basic TR280 tractive unit Berliet will also offer the GR280 long wheelbase rigid which is suitable for drawbar applications up to 32 tons gtw, some bonneted tipper chassis and possibly, later, the Cruisar bus chassis.
The tipper chassis include 4 x 4, 6 x 4 and 6 x 6 versions. The heaviest, the GBH 12 6 x 4 model, is limited to 24 tons gvw under C and U Regulations but can be increased to 35 tons gvw with some speed limitations on site allowing a payload of 23 tons.