ERF milks steel ES8
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• ERF has launched a lightweight steel-cabbed ES8 tractor, following successful prototype trials with the Milk Marketing Board.
The 3m-wheelbase tractor has the* same Steyr steel day cab as the ES6 17-tonner and ES8 sixwheeler; it comes with either a 179 or 205kW (240 or 275hp) version of the air-to-air charge-cooled Cummins C Series engine.
Standard gearbox on the ES8 artic is the nine-speed Eaton 6109 with the ZF 9S109 as an option. Final drive is provided by the R144 Rockwell back axle. The steel sprung ES8 has a 272-litre fuel tank as standard and a quoted kerbweight of 4,995kg.
It is intended for artic operations from 24-23 tonnes GCW and will be available through ERF's recently established SVO department.
ERF managing director John Bryant believes that the SVO operation will enable the company to tackle many jobs that have previously gone to outside convertors. As well as new liftaxle 6x2 models, ERF will soon be offering the latest Allison Automatic "World Transmission" (CM 14-20 Nov 1991). Until now the only UK operator to fit the WT has been Dennis.
Bryant has also revealed some more details on the next generation of ERF heavy trucks which is due to be launched before the end of next year. It is expected to extend ERF's penetration in the owner-driver and small fleet sectors, and much of the development has been aimed at raising driver comfort with a revised plastic cab, referred to internally as the SP5.
A number of fleet engineers have also been given a chance to get their hands on the proposed new model range: "We've got our first input already. They didn't see the final styling but they have commented on the overall concept," says Bryant.
The new range will be capable of meeting forthcoming emission legislation using current power units from Cummins and Perkins, he adds.
The company will not have to rely on full electronics to meet emission standards on the new range, although Cummins' electronically-controlled Celect system will be offered as an option.
No official launch date has been set for the range, and the company is still debating its final name.