AT THE HEART OF THE ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY.

Call our Sales Team on 0208 912 2120

STEYR 18526

18th November 1993
Page 45
Page 45, 18th November 1993 — STEYR 18526
Close
Noticed an error?
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.

Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

Keywords : Steyr, Man Se

Although the infant Steyr Trucks UK was strangled at birth following the MAN takeover of its Austrian parent, CMs re acquaintance with the marque reinforced our view that it could have done well in the British rigid market.

The 18S26 drawbar sported the latest 191kW (256hp) chargecooled version of Steyr's 6.59-litre six-pot which not only meets Euro-1 but is well on its way to meeting Euro-2 exhaust regs.

What the smallest capacity engine in our group couldn't quite meet was the demand for power at 30 tonnes on the motorway. It struggled to hold top at 801an/h; we often had to split shift a half gear to get the revs back into the green. To get the best from the engine you've got to get the revs up to 1, 500-1, 600rpm when it starts to pull well, producing a highly distinctive chuffing noise. Fortunately the Austrian low-noise engine minimised interior noise. While the 16-speed ZF Ecosplit box was easy to use a ninespeeder would probably have been a better choice with this engine. The clutch pedal was also a little too high and heavy for our liking On the road the outfit was easy to steer and displayed little body roll. We also liked the firm high-backed driver's seat.

Steyr's middleweight cab (used by ERF and now MAN) has a quality feel to it. The trim is practical and the dash well designed with a nice big rev counter and a neat key-operated oil-level check built into the oil pressure gauge.

If there is one thing wrong with the cab it's the low roof line at the windscreen which reduces visibility and forces the driver to bend down and peer up to overhead traffic lights.

Overall the 18S26 Steyr is a good solo with clear driver appeal, but it's a bit underpowered to make the grade as a prime mover at 30 tonnes.

Tags

People: Steyr Trucks

comments powered by Disqus