ERF E12.405T (4x2)
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CM test published 2-8 April.
Power: 282kW (378hp).
Average fuel consumption: 40.41it/100kn (7.0mpg).
Average speed: 73.8km/h (45.9mph). Payload as tested: 24.12 tonnes.
• It took ERF a long time to get the Perkins Tx400 engine into the popular E-Series tractor. Although it printed a spec sheet on the E12.400 tractor in July 1990 it was another year before Perkins finally released the most powerful version of its 12-litre Tx with 1,785Nm (1,3161bft) of torque on offer.
Previous tests with the Tx have shown it to be a frugal engine so we expected good things from the E12.40ST, not least as ERF has earned a reputation for thriftiness around our Scottish test route. But bad weather knocked that well and truly on the head and the E12.40ST finished with a very average 40.41it/100km (7.0mpg): enough to beat the E465 Cummins-powered Foden but not the Leyland Daf 95.400 or Volvo F12-400. However, the E12.400 was well up with the pack in terms of journey times; and accelerating up to 80km/h from rest it beat both the Foden 4450 and Leyland Daf 95.400. The Tx400/Eaton Twin Splitter driveline certainly worked well together.
The Tx's torque backup came into its own when climbing motorway gradients. With more power there's usually a weight penalty but not with the E12.40ST. Our 4x2 tipped the scales at 6.88 tonnes to allow that magic 24 tonne-plus payload. While operators like the ERF composite cab's non-rusting qualities the E-Series has never quite won the hearts of drivers, who prefer the comfort of continental cabs. While the E12.40ST's brown trimmed interior looked practical we felt it was rather dowdy. But we had no complaints about its ride quality, steering or braking.