TRADITION REBORN
Page 46
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• Its almost two years since Bedford stopped building civilian trucks.
David J B Brown, however, acquired Bedford's Dunstable plant in December 1987 and this September AWD introduced the first of a range of re-engineered models based on the TL rigid chassis at 6.5, 7.5, 8.6, 13 and 17 tonnes.
The DGM3 IL 8-14 is the first of the new range to become available for full appraisal, and it bears a strong resemblance to its Bedford TL ancestors.
The basic cab structure can be traced way back to the TK model of 1960, when a 7.5-tonner cost just £1,673, but a facelift, including a new grille, larger minors and improved interior trim, gives it a new lease of life.
• DRIVEUNE
Power comes from a six-litre Perkins Phaser turbocharged engine which is only slightly different in overall dimension from the old 5.4-litre GM Red-Series engine that it replaces. It is a neater installation, however, and its larger capacity contributes to a 6% increase in rated power, up to 107kW (143hp). More important is the engine's greater torque output. At 485Nm (358Ibft) — an increase of almost 20% — it provides useful extra flexibility.
To ensure adequate cooling the cab floor pan has also been altered to allow greater flow of air around the block.
AWD rigids up to 13 tonnes use th Spicer 15 35216 five-speed, overdrive synchromesh gearbox as standard. On th 7.5-tonner it drives through to the estat fished AWD/Bedford single-reduction axlt The front axle is AWD's own design, sin pended by two-taper-leaf springs with design rating of 3.2 -tonnes, giving a d( gree of load tolerance.
Thanks to a new material and deept side section behind the axle, the parall, chassis frame (of rivetted construction) able to accept a tail-lift or drawbar withot localised strengthening.
An air-over-hydraulic braking systei contines to operate front and rear drui brakes, but low-profile tyres are no standard equipment.
Despite these specification change AWD has achieved an almost identic kerbweight to that of the old Bedfoi DJM3 TL 860. At 3.06 tonnes it allows useful body/payload allowance.