DRIVERS' VERDICTS
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We tried the MAN out on Scania, Merc and Volvo drivers. They liked the pulling power particularly and the space and comforts of the cab. The niggles were few, mainly concerninp stowave, especially external lockers
When owner-driver Dave Joweft, from Liverpool in his 6x2 Topline-cabbed Scenic' 143-400, stopped at BP's Truck Stop at Crick we offered him a drive in the MAN 18.463. "I've always thought of the MAN as a fleet vehicle, not a truck for the small operator" he told us. In the cab he continued: "I like the low flat area over the engine, it makes it a lot easier to move around the cab. It's very light in here. Are the roof windows double glazed? It's very roomy. This amount of space makes it a good living environment but you need external lockers for tools. Although there is one on each side of the cab they are too small for anything bulky. I would like it better if the centre of the fascia stuck out a bit more to bring the controls for the heater into better view. I can see the radio OK and that's the best place for it—down low," he added.
Pulling away in third we were quickly on to the first hill. "The engine is more responsive than mine—quicker up to speed. It pulled better up there. I've got a 10-speed box and need to rev the engine quite high. With a splitter here you only need about 1,600 rpm before changing into the next gear. The retarder is a good idea if the price is right. Volvo's got it about right with its engine brake on the H. It would take me a little while to trust this one." We stopped at a roundabout and reverting to low range, the gear selection baulked but after several tries we managed to get on the way again. "The switch for the splitter would be more logical if it moved up and down. There has to be a balance with noise levels. You need to hear a bit of the engine but this is like being in a convent compared to mine. The cab rolls a fair piece but the brakes are smooth. I like the stop on the key," he said as he climbed down and added: "The door catch sounds a bit tinny." Then looking at the tyres he said: "I wouldn't specify anything but Michelins on a new truck".
Alan Scarborough drives a Volvo F10.290, with a Globetrotter cab for SCA International Tankers out of Silvertown. "I like the colour scheme," he said as we walked across the park. "I use the external lockers to stow my pipe connectors. These are not as big as I would need." Inside the cab he told us: "I like the low height between the seats. The bunks are nice and big but stowage might be a bit of a problem if there were two of you. Otherwise there is enough room in here. It makes my Globetrotter look small. The radio is a bit far away. I'd like to see a bit of wood trim but I could live with this leather look." On the road he added: "It's lovely to drive—you notice the power straight away. The pedals are about the right height and not too heavy. It's just what a driver wants. Visibility is quite good, it's a lot quieter and the ride is better than with my Globetrotter". As he climbed down the last of the three steps he told us: "That's very low. Ground clearance could be a problem on the entrances of some places I have to go". Craig Williams drives a 28-tonne Mercedes-Benz 1621 for Tools Transport of Droitwich. Looking inside the overhead lockers he said: "There is plenty of room in there and they leave the rest of the cab clear but I would like a box for maps and other oddments. The shape of the fascia leaves space to move across to the bunk. Pity it's not a bit higher so the space underneath could be used for stowage as well." On the rood he said, almost in a whisper, "there is no need to shout above the engine noise. It's extremely quiet. I like the visibility all round and the seat gives plenty of support. Compared to mine this steering wheel is a mite small but control is smooth and it's not at all heavy. The accelerator feels light and the brakes are a bit spongy next to mine. The cab sways some but I am used to sitting lower down." Dropping down a couple of cogs lie applied the retarder for the second time on a downhill stretch: "that makes a lot of difference to the stopping power" When we had stopped he asked to see the curtains. "That's nice how they fold up into the header rail but they are not as light proof as I would like," he said, "they would be a lot better if they were lined." smooth..." Sccir bc.1 ough: "...lovely to drive..."
Joweit: —"good living environment..."
..."control is