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OPERATOR EXPERIENCE
Page 122
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DODGE COMMANDO 2012 RIGID. ORIGINALLY TESTED: 21/4/84.
ENGINE: PERKINS T6.354.4 148 hp. GEARBOX: KARRIER 6-speed.
BACK AXLE RATIO: 5.125:1.
TESTED GV'W: 12 tonnes.
OVERALL RESULTS: 15.06mps/38.81mph. ORIGINAL TEST REPORT PLUS POINTS: Impressive fuel consumption/good motorway performer/good power steering/good turning circle/good ride and handling.
ORIGINAL TEST REPORT MINUS POINTS: Clutch pedal stiff.
Operator 1 runs a 400 vehicle strong mixed fleet. He supplies goods to the catering industry. This work consists of high street distribution followed by short motorway dashes. Operators 2 and 3 are municipal authorities based in Devon and Cornwall. As might be expected, their annual mileage is low and the vehicles are used predominantly for stop/start operations.
Operator 1 stated that the Dodge brakes seemed to require constant attention. Drivers tended to keep the same vehicles and this problem did not arise to such an extent with the other makes of vehicles. Warning lights on the dash used to come on regularly and for no apparent reason. This happened so often that the driver tended to ignore them. Although no major fault developed because of this practice, the fleet engineer was not happy with the situation.
Spare part prices were competitive and the general efficiency of the dealer was good. His drivers did not to like the 'outdated' cabs and tended to neglect them. Resale values were average and about 14mpg was normal for the Dodges slightly higher than the others makes in his fleet.
All of the operators were happy with fuel consumption although the municipal operators felt that their work as not conducive to outstanding fuel economy. They did state that their drivers liked the comfort, handling and excellent turning circle which was a prime requirement for their operation. As a rule, their redundant vehicles were put out to tender so resale values was not something that could be evaluated precisely. The municipal operators felt that the reliability of the Dodges was particularly good.