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lister's IMpsession: Let's get one thing straight before we start:
Page 48
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this FodenWeighlifter combination is one hell of an impressive set-up. Be it the impressive engine performance; the auto transmission: the seamless blending of engine brake and service brakes; the remote, wireless control of the sheeting system; the air actuated tail-lift; or the speed of tipping, this was an extremely well equipped and well prepared machine. And it looks good too.
In days of old any test of a Foden would have included a litany of criticism and faults. It was easy pickings for testers to zero in on drafty cabs, poor gearshifts and noisy interiors as they pulled the product apart. The Foden of today however, is a completely different beast and our tipper test example exemplifies the improvements made. For starters, the engine. What a pity it will be if, as expected, Cummins pulls the plug on its ISMe, because in the ZF AS-Ironic it's found a gearbox with which it can communicate beautifully. Gearshifts are fast and smooth, giving superb acceleration throughout the driveable rev range, and ratios are well matched to the engine's output.
The 420hp rating, though behind the Mercedes a little on sheer power, didn't feel like an also-ran as we scuttled round the roadtest route. The braking set-up is extremely effective and we were particularly taken with the blending of the engine brake and service brakes under the brake pedal, giving all the functionality we could desire for check braking and all-out retardation without recourse to the service anchors.
Equipped with top-of-the-range Europa trim spec, including air-con, CD changer and wood-effect dash trim, the Alpha's interior was perhaps over the top for typical tipper work, though in the current climate of driver shortages we're assured these are the lengths to which many tippermen are prepared to go to attract and retain the best. And even round our short test route we did appreciate the many creature comforts on-board.
Loaned to Foden by Littleton Haulage of Royston, Cambs, the Weightlifter triaxle trailer matched the tractor in terms of the latest safety related gadgets. Our favourite was the wireless remote control of the Dawbarn sheeting system —though the cab operated tailgate control was equally effective. The body is to Weightlifter's new bath tub design, and with the Edbro gear extending to full length in just under two minutes the full 29 tonnes-plus of aggregate was quickly expelled from the body.
We spent a lot of time trying to pick faults with our test truck, but failed to find anything obvious during our test. Which begs the question, given this impressive performance why doesn't Foden sell more vehicles?
We reckon it's simply down to the price. With the best will in the world the company can't match the deals on offer by its competitors, and without a niche to call its own it must survive by chipping away at the edges.
But while it has products like our test vehicle in its line-up, we reckon any speculation on the future of Foden is a little premature.