Holding ground in Harrogate
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by Brian Weatherley IN If you're hoping to see lots of new trucks at next week's RI-TA TipCon show at Harrogate, don't hold your breath! With the notable exception of one truck maker, and you'll have to wait till CMs 27 April edition to find out who, none of the chassis manufacturers has anything totally new at Harrogate. For most, it's consolidation time.
Straight six Volvo's latest D7 series engine makes its TipCon debut in an FL7 six and eight-wheeler. The little straight six is now rated up to 210kW (285hp) with 1,200Nm of torque, allowing the FL7 to catch up lost ground in the lightweight 8x4 power stakes. (CM has tested the F1.7-285 eightwheeler. Our verdict appears in next week's issue).
However,the Volvo tipper that's likely to create the most interest in the UK—the 12-litreengined FL12—won't arrive till later in the year. So operators looking for power and payloads will have to be patient.
Seddon Atkinson has a reputation for building light eightleggers and its L10 Cumminspowered 32.325L Strato in the colours of G&A Thursby of Carnforth is no exception. With a nine-speed Roadranger gearbox and four-spring steel suspension (in place of the standard rubber), it tares in at 10,410kg with 300 litres fuel, spare wheel and carrier. A new company, Garstang Truck Bodies has built the fully-insulated body.
Among the engine manufacturers, Perkins is launching its Euro-2 version of the Eagle Tx 12-litre which makes the low emissions grade without electronic control. However, Cummins' latest 11-litre M11 engine,which was launched at the Hanover Show last year, is all electronic and supersedes the current L10 for Euro-2.
Although MAN's F2000 tractor range was launched in the UK last week. F2000 tip pers won't arrive till later this year. While tractors have the all-new Eaton S-Series synchro box (shown at Harrogate), MAN Truck & Bus UK has yet to decide whether it will move away from the standard Eaton constant mesh box on tippers,or whether they'll have the F2000 tractor's front disc brakes.
Mercedes tippers have a new face-lifted front end, and in-cab FDS diagnostic display, but the driveline is unchanged from last year.
Bodybuilder Welford has a Mercedes 1820 tipper on its stand which has the latest Harsh H80 underfloor tipping gear beneath Welford's W116 steel body and the Bridgemaster height indicator system.
Wilcox has developed lownoise rubber mountings which are fitted to the underside of the body where it rests on the vehicle chassis. They have proved effective in significantly reducing noise when running unladen and extending the life of rear hinge equipment. The popular Wilcolite body has also been modified to provide improved compatibility with underbody gear.
Wisbech Bulk Systems is showing how to gain extra manoeuvrability in tight farmyards with a step-framed 55yd3 SAF tri-axled animal feed trailer for BOCM Pauls. It uses Hosta fifth wheel steering with twin hydraulic circuits, dual rams, failure warning lights and self tracking ability to turn the rearmost axle. The front axle raises.
Maywood On Board plans to unveil a new development of its Tiploader range at Harrogate— it will say no more than the improvements will not alter its status as an "inexpensive entry level system".
Harsh conditions
On-board weighing system rivals PM Electronics will also be showing its recentlylaunched 110 weighing system which has been designed specifically for trailer mount applications and to survive the harsh conditions of a tipping environment.