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The TGM is MAN's offering for the 26-tonne utty and
Page 46
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lightweight tipper sector. The 6.9-litre D08 EGR engine is available at 280hp and, as in our example, at 330hp driving via an MANTronic box with overdrive to compensate the low rear-axle rating. The green zone for its 1,250Nm peak torque is 1,200-1,750rpm with peak power at 2,300rpm.
This is a tough contender which, with front-mounted cranes and shorter bodies, has proved ideal for the utilities-sector. The 330hp lump is arguably over-specced for local work but many operators will find the extra power welcome when towing equipment.
The climb out of Fossebridge on the A436 showed that this truck could battle with the best of the rest, though it needed third gear to haul itself out of the ravine. We hit the bridge from the descent pushing 40mph in sixth gear, coming off the engine brake with revs close to peak power. Sixth gear dropped like a stone and a change at 1,500rpm into the bottom range and fourth got us up to the peak before third saw us over the edge.
The Eaton nine-speed four-over-four overdrive transmission brings down the revs towards the green zone on A-roads and helps reduce fuel use. Changes are smooth, handling is impressive and the steering is neither too light nor too heavy.
Perhaps we have been spoilt by the transition to electronic windows but manual winders seem unnecessary in this day and age.
The C (day) cab felt compact compared with the larger competition but its low mounting enhanced the MAN's road-holding abilities. It features front under-run; the front axle runs on 315/80 tyres as it is rated at 7,500kg.
Fitted onto the chassis cab is a Wilcox Wilcolite aluminium body with a Dawbarn automated sheet. At the front end is an Edbro CX13 lifting kit; at the rear is a split tailgate. This combination offered a 9.340kg kerbweight but the chassis-cab in its own right weighs in at 7,314kg.
To shed weight, your options are pretty simple: 280hp engine (5kg); synthetic bumper (20kg); and alloy wheels (190kg). On the other hand you could gain weight with air-con (25kg), Tipmatic (37kg); or a document box (5kg).
There is plenty of feedback through the driver's hands and feet, but the instrumentation is less impressive. For example, when cruise control or the speed limiter is on there is no indication of what speed it is set at— or even whether it is switched on. MAN might argue that a conscientious driver should know what the engine is doing and how the cruise control is set.
But sometimes you need reminding if you've placed your controls in the hands of the truck, when you change speeds, or simply want to know if the speed limiter or cruise control is in action. It's attention to detail that makes a truck stand out from its competitors.