PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
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• Commercial Motor put one of the 470hp EuroStars around the Poplar 2000 route with Campbell as a passenger. Driving norrnally we clocked up a decidedly average 6.47mpg.
Then we did it again with him explaining the best way to drive. First he recommended using the 16-speed ZF gearbox as an eight-speed. Too many gear changes cost fuel. The truck has so much power that it will use whole gear changes without protest. The splitter is really just an assistance on steep hills.
The second point was to reach top gear as soon as possible. Even if 40mph means 950-1,000rpm it will pull alright on the flat. And coming to a halt with a 38-tonner and then pulling away again costs a fortune in fuel. If you can just keep it rolling the savings are worth the trouble.
We drove normally, but incorporated Alan's advice. Our journey time was virtually identical, with an average speed of 31.61mph. Our fuel consumption was 7.27mpg, a 12.3% improvement. Imagine that over a year, then multiply it for a big fleet. Bobs took a Quids Trucks' driver around the route and he recorded a 361/, improvement. It doesn't take long to see the savings in the till.
More importantly for Iveco ford. it provides an experienced training force within the dealer network. In a business where building relationships with customers is every bit as important as the trucks themselves, the positive benefits are easy to see.