MAN: ECO and syncho
Page 12
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Eaton's constant-mesh grip on the UK heavy truck gearbox market has suffered a knock with the news that MAN-VW is to standardise on 2F synchromesh transmissions across its entire new F90 tractor range which is due to arrive in Britain at the start of next year (CM 7-13 June).
According to MAN-VW divisional director Robin Woolcock: "Synchromesh is what most operators have asked for, so the standard gearbox on all the new F90 tractors will be the ZF 16-speed. The flexibility of the synchromesh box will improve our competitiveness in the spot-hire fleets in particular and help increase our resale values."
MAN will be retaining Eaton's constant-mesh Twin Splitter box as an option on F90 tractors up to the 309kW (42011p) 17.422 tractor, and Eaton boxes will also remain as standard in the 12-litre MAN eight-leggers.
However, the right-handdrive 17.502 tractor powered by IVIAN's mighty 368kW (500hp) vee-10 engine gets the 16S220 Ecosplit box in place of the 13-speed Fuller transmission, which will be dropped.
Examples of the latest F90 tractors and a revised M90 17tonner will be shown by MAN at the Motor Show this month. All of them feature reworked engines giving lower noise and emission levels, and to mark this they will be badged as the "ECO" range.
MAN is placing great emphasis on its 253kW (320hp) 17.322 F90 tractor, which should have a strong appeal to fleet operators. The 17.322's five-cylinder D2685 LF 03 engine has a higher torque output than the six-cylinder 12-litre engine fitted in the 17.292 tractor, and almost as much as that in the 17.332 — it will