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with solid performance and Power combined with decent fuel consumption"
Page 45
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MegaSpace tractor weighed in at 9,130kg; combined with a 7,000kg trailer, that gives an overall 27,870kg payload at 44,000kg GVW.
The weather was pretty humid over both days and, with test conditions not allowing us to drive with the air-con on and the windows down, things got a little sticky inside.
On the road
At 40/41 tonnes, 469hp provides 11.7/11.4hp per tonne respectivelyThis provides operators with solid performance and power combined with decent fuel consumption. But at 44 tonnes the ratio drops to 10.7hp per tonne and, while the time is slightly slower, performance and power are both still very strong.The only downside is that fuel consumption gets more punishment.This was our experience. Performance and power are very impressive and, although average speed is nothing special, never at any point on this test did Y233 WEG struggle.
As we gingerly made our way around the revised route every new climb was accomplished with minimum fuss.
With the Autotrans gearbox fitted it is a twopedal truck, leaving the left free to tap along with the Mail on Sunday's free CD "Summer Hits" (thanks to M-B's Simon Wood).
What it also meant was instant changes, as opposed to the pre-selection afforded the driver with the Telligent system. Both gearboxes are identical in manual operation — nudge forward and back for whole gear changes and the paddle for splits (or if preferred whole and block changes). A small switch at the back of the gearstick/box allows the driver to switch from manual to auto.
We preferred auto to start with, switching to manual on the A-roads to keep in control. and manual override on the dual carriageway and motorway to keep it rolling effortlessly and smoothly. In automatic. the box is keen to make small changes to ensure the engine has enough revs for its actual position on the road but given that the driver, and not the gearbox, can see ahead, it's better for the driver to make the decisions. On the A-roads, two overdrive gears meant it was easier to travel at the national speed limit in 81_, in manual, whereas 8H forced the rpm too low, and in auto it would drop to 7L/H at the slightest incline.
It's fair to say the driveline is still in its infancy, and there was nothing to suggest anything was about to pop.
The buyer's perception that it will have had a hard life working on tipper jobs is part myth, part fact, and Y233 WEG performed well enough to suggest it hadn't been overworked or mistreated.
Cab quality
The fact it's been on Mercedes-Benz Charterway Hire for two years means that the tractor has been kept clean and tidy, regardless of who has driven it.The only indication that it has done something other than long-distance work is the chipped steps that lead up into the cab.The steps are slightly discoloured -something you only notice when you leap up the five steps to the cab.The expansive interior is in good condition with no dust traps showing up sand or quarry residue.
This,however, could as easily be down to the quality valets at Signature used trucks. •