Maggie on long-term trial
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TWO Magirus-Deutz tractive units have been on trial with BRS companies—one operating in the North West and the other with Midlands BRS Ltd.
The former vehicle completed the first year with •a total distance covered of 62,589km (38,891 miles) of which 42,311km (26,291 miles) were laden. The average fuel consumption was 38,2 lit/100 km (7.4mpg) for an average payload of 21 tons.
This particular truck had a relatively trouble-free record although it was involved in two major accidents, and needed a new cab and chassis. The NEC has commented that its experience 'would indicate that replacement parts for foreign-built vehicles are expensive, especially since the recent fall in the value of the pound.
The workshop records for the first Magirus have shown that the vehicle was out of service for 12 days for painting in livery and for stiffening up the fifth-wheel ramps, In February it was out of service on two Saturday mornings for attention to the brakes and the fitting of a larger fuel tank.
It then had no problems for six months before spending four days at the manufacturers for injection pump modifications. Later in the year it was out of service for five days for brake relining because the linings were difficult to obtain.
The second Magirus has been in operation with Midlands BRS on the nationwide distribution of motor components. Over a period of 11 months, it covered • 58,230km (36,182 miles)-93.2 per cent of which was loaded—for an average fuel consumption 40.31it/100km (7.01mpg).
During this time it was ou of service for two days fo replacements to a nearside rea hub seal and screen wiper b Magirus. The offside door als had to be replaced owing t damage following a fore entry.
Both the Magirus with NF seem to have been unluck in some respects as this on has also needed repairs t accident damage. The onl real fault which has occurre with the truck came after th evaluation period when th gearbox gave trouble a 138,400km (86,000 miles).