4 MAN F90 steering has always offered just the right
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amount of power assistance with plenty of feel. To this has been added a thicker, softer and slightly smaller steering wheel. It all enhances the handling to ensure good directional stability at all times.
Gentle pressure on the stop pedal gives steady, grab-free braking. The F90 cab's stable mounting helps here too. The brakes are sensitive enough for smooth in-town manoeuvring but can snap on when called upon to do so. Track tests were not possible due to the weather conditions, but there is no lack of power in this department.
The 17.372 also comes equipped with an effective exhaust brake and the Euro-1 engine seems to have improved its performance with a slightly higher compression ratio. What's more the button can be reached from any seating position. SAMT electronics link the gearbox and exhaust brake. The gearbox control system disengages the exhauster during a gearchange to prevent the engine from stalling and then reactivates it automatically.
• CAB COMFORT
The narrower F cab leaves no room for the wardrobe found in the FR cab. A single bunk is fitted and the night heater is an optional extra. A heater would seem a good idea in an all-steel cab but the lack of windows in the sleeper section should improve insulation.
Cab access is good with clear, illuminated steps and well-positioned grab rails.
The Isri seat includes a quick inflate/deflate control which is handy for drivers who tike to sit close to the steering wheel. Seatbelts come as standard, so they must be worn.
The steering column adjusts three ways in the usual manner. As with the FB cab door mirror adjustment is manual but the mirrors are heated. The nearside window lifts or lowers at the touch of a button; the driver gets a mechanical winder.
Storage space includes twin external tool lockers with bottle and glove holders on the inside of both doors. There's also a glove box and the familiar central storage tray with an opening lid that doubles as a tabletop. Interior lighting is bright and a large drop-down bin in the overhead panel stores the curtains, though Velcro straps at either side will stow them conventionally The dashboard is clean and clear: tacho and rev counter are directly in front of the driver with six smaller dials are in row just below it to display fuel, air pressure and the like. The SAMT display is well positioned above the main bank of switches to the driver's left.
Rocker switches at the edge of the dashboard, control the optional difflock, lights and cold start.
The ECAS electronic suspension remote control unit is housed just inside the driver's door. It allows chassis-height control from inside and out the cab.
II SUMMARY
The 17.372 is the most expensive vehicle in our comparison group, with the highest parts and contract maintenance prices to match (it also demands the second highest number of downtime hours).