1f ugh mudders
Page 9
Page 10
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
CM puts Renault's tough new range of construction trucks through its paces in a Spanish granite quarry By Will Shiers RENAULT'S new range of construction trucks is split into two distinct offerings: the K Heavy Construction and
the C Construction. Special K The K range, which replaces the out-going Kerax, is built for the toughest of operations. It uses the same 2.m-wide , cab as the new T range, and comes in either Day (short cab, standard roof) or Night & Day (deep cab, standard roof, with bunk) guises. As a rigid it's available as a 4x2, 4x4, 6x4, 6x6 or an 8x4, and there are also 4x2, 4x4 64 and 6x6 tractors. Ks are offered with either th-e 10.8-litre DTI 11 (380hp, 430hp or 460hp) or the 12.8-litre DTI 13 (440hp, 480hp or 520hp). Both are in-line six-cylinder
engines. Renault has made its 12-speed Optidriver transmission standard across its entire construction range, but there is an option of a 14-speed manual too. Drum brakes come as standard (discs are an option), while rear suspension is parabolic and semi-elliptical. The K range is easily identified by its distinctive all-steel three-part bumper and grille. It ensures excellent ground clearance, giving the truck a class-leading 32° angle of approach (with 24-inch tyres). C the light
The C range, with its superior payload, is offered with a choice of two cabs. The Premium Lander replacement gets the 2.5m-wide T cab (Day, Night & Day or Sleeper Cab), while the lighter offerings are fitted with the 2.3m-wide former Premium Distribution Global Cab. In addition to the DTI 13 and DTI 11, the C is also offered with the 7.7-litre DTI 8 (250hp, 280hp or 320hp) sixcylinder engine.
The C range has many of the same chassis configurations as the K range, with the addition of an 8x2 rigid and an 8x4 Xload concrete mixer chassis (Renault claims its 9,175kg kerbweight is the lowest on the market). There are optional 9and 14-speed manual gearboxes, parabolic rear suspension comes as standard, and disc brakes are fitted throughout. There are a wide range of singleand double-reduction drive-axles and tandems.
Although the 2.5m C cab uses the same plastic grille and bumper (albeit with steel corners) as the T range, buyers wanting to combine the ground clearance and tough appearance of the K range with the superior payload of the C range, can specify a K range bumper and grille. It will add 90kg to the kerbweight. Off road
We spent a morning driving K and C range (2.5m) tippers in a Spanish quarry last week. Cab access was superb, thanks to three wide, anti-slip steps (steel bumper models have a flexible fourth step), doors that open through 85°, and low grab handles. Both models share the T range's interior, so you get the same smart dashboard, easy-to-read dials, and comfortable
Recaro seats — and it was just as quiet too. Both models proved themselves to be incredibly capable off-road, tackling extreme terrain with ease. The K range was particularly impressive, and we took full advantage of its 380mm ground clearance. The rough Clockwise from top: the interior is borrowed from T range; the C range with a K range grille; the 6x4 C range tractor should prove popular with UK timber operators
terrain was the perfect opportunity to try out the electronic hand throttle speed control. We set it at 1,200rpm and let the truck do the work for us, climbing steep inclines with minimal fuss. The function (originally developed for the African market) was on the old Kerax too, but it's more user-friendly now.
Full marks for the turning circle too, claimed to be class-leading, which makes both the K and C range incredibly manoeuvrable.
The Optidriver transmission is excellent, and in off-road mode made rapid gear changes to maintain momentum. But when the going gets really rough it's advisable to select the manual mode, preventing the transmission from changing up at inopportune times.
The engine brake is good, and the Intarder is one of the best we have experienced — especially in the DX 13powered eight-leggers. Like the T range, all Ks and Cs have electronic parking brakes. It's a great system, and works every bit as well as hill-hold. If these new Renaults behave half as well on-road as they do off-road, Renault is onto a winner. •