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SALUTE T HE FLAGSH
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The Renault Magnum took the market by storm, setting a standard of driver comfort that has yet to be surpassed. It may be an acquired taste — but once acquired it seems it's never lost.
We tend to associate big cabs with big powerful engines and, until the end of 2000, the Renault Magnum had both: its 16-litre straight-six Mack engine delivered up to 560hp. But with Euro-3 came a 12-litre Mack engine rated at less than 480hp.
Renault's current E-Tech engine, which has been used in the US since 1998,has three ratings. more precisely stated at 401,441 and 472hp with corresponding torque outputs of 1,850,2,050 and 2,250Nm.
A major feature is the unit's exceptionally high pressure injection system; the working pressure has been increased by almost 30% to 1,775bar. Other innovations include the latest V-Mac 3 (vehicle management and control) computer that controls the fuel injection timing and flow Each of the six unit-injection pumps is directly operated by the camshaft and mounted close to its injector to maintain maximum pressure until the fuel is released into the cylinder. Harold Morton comes from a family of hauliers. Based at Stowrnarket, he has worked as an owner-driver since 1989 and for the first decade on his own he ran nothing but Scanias. But in July 2002 he followed the Scania service personnel he had come to trust to Renault Trucks at Felixstowe. He bought a Renault Magnum 480 6x2 tractor, which he uses to move containers around the country from Felixstowe.
Running with his own skeletal trailer at 44 tonnes, the Magnum gives Morton a maximum payload of 27.5 tonnes which, he says, is enough for this type of work.
Good deal The Renault dealer offered me a good deal and I knew [could rely on the service backup." he says"' opted for the 480 because I run at maximum weight for a lot of the time.This level of power makes driving less stressful and used properly it need not be expensive on fuel, but to begin with I wasn't at all happy with the fuel consumption. It was returning only 7.2mpg. which was quite a bit heavier than my previous Scania 420.
"At the first service they said to let it be and it would improve —and it did. It varies with single, double and high-cube containers but now I'm getting 9.5mpg overall.
-This cab is high but it's no more difficult to get into with your gear than any other topof-the-range cab. All-round visibility is better than with my earlier Topline cab.! like the sleeping arrangement better and the flat floor and walk-through access is a real benefit. Its quiet and comfortable. I like the leather seats and there's plenty of stowage for a week's work.The hanging wardrobe keeps my clothes fresh and the flat floor can be swept straight out.There is a step to help reach up to clean the front screen but I use a long-handled brush.
"I've had to customise the top of the dash on the nearside with trays that make it better for eating and to keep bits and pieces close to hand. I've also added net pockets on the rear panel to stow my maps and paperwork, but there's plenty of space for the TV and video on the overhead lockers.The radio-CD has fingertip control on the steering wheel. There arc blinds that roll down all the way round and it's a warm cab, even at this time of the year. is fast and light. I've never driven a truck that pulls like this one hills it just digs in and keeps on going.The power allows me to block change, and once in top I hardly ever need to change down.The Jake brake is bril liant. I use it all the time and then I do need to get the revs up but in the right gear it holds the overrun back, even at 44 tonnes.
"Interestingly, I'm buying it on Volvo Finance over four years.The first two years' service and parts arc included, then I'll need additional cover. I travel over 150.000km a year. so four years is about the right time to replace it — it will still look good and have plenty of life Left. I like to part exchange. It leaves me free logo where I please. It's a clean transaction,and once the deal's done there's no comeback.
"It's been very reliable but Renault Trucks has replaced a couple of the flexipipes on the exhaust; it has reprogrammed the computer a couple of times after it gave the wrong diagnosis; and it picked up on a wheel bearing on the lift axle before! noticed it was becoming noisy. I arranged for front panels lobe repainted after damage from stone chips.
"If there is a more powerful engine on the way then that might well be my choice next time around." • This engine has been developed to give a can burn, bringing improved fuel economy, 1while it comes with two cylinder heads it Aurally incorporates four valves per cylinder id includes the latest thinking on articulated stons. combining steel crowns with aluminirn skirts, thus maximising strength, lightness id durability.
V-Mac's role is not restricted to engine Lanagementit also manages driving-related lnctions such as cruise control. PTO speeds, SR. EBS and ABS interfaces and the secuty locking system. It even handles mainteance diagnostics and service data recording. It's a long time since Renault made its own earboxes.As standard, Magnum now takes ZF 16-speed servo-shift Ecosplit transmison with cable linkage minimising gearlever -avel.Alternatively,ZFAS-Tronic offers utchless gear changing.
While the engine alone is capable of 295hp f retardation at 2,10Orpm, the optional ZF ompact hydraulic Intarder can produce a 'raking effort of up to 536hp.As payload is lot normally a major concern with the 4agnum, the 130kg this adds to the unladen might is unlikely to be of much consequence, nd drivers will appreciate the enhanced lownhill control.
Renault pioneered the use of HGV disc Takes and its braking system is still !ading-edge technology, incorporating EBS electronic braking system). It cuts delay in he system to a minimum and adjusts pressure /heel by wheel to suit conditions.V-Mac's role here is to manage the ABS antilock without completely releasing braking effort on any of the wheels.
While other manufacturers have sought to emulate Magnum's cab space it remains a big cab by any standard. Right-hookers have been available since 1992 and there was a major facelift in 1997.
In 2000 updates included a change in trim colour to grey and flecked blue and the arrival of a four-spoke steering wheel with provision for an air bag.The passenger seat can swivel though 180°.There's also a new temperature control system and the dash is wired up to take a radio-phone. All the little extras are certainly welcome, but the Magnum's walk-through living space remains its main attraction. •