German eight wheelers

20th September 1974, Page 118

20th September 1974

Page 118

Page 119

Page 120

Page 118, 20th September 1974 — German eight wheelers

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for Britalen Haulage and tipper versions from

__ MAN with 232 bhp engine

TODAY sees the announcement of another eight-wheeler from a major Continental manufacturer. Following close on the heels of DAF comes a fouraxled model — the 30.232 — from the Munich firm of MAN.

Two variants are available, the VF, which is intended for haulage or tanker work, and the VFK, which is a tipper chassis.

The outer axle spread is slightly different for the two models. The tipper version is 6.3m (20 ft 8 in) between the outer axles while the corresponding dimension for the haulage chassis is 6.5m (21 ft 4 in).

Both chassis types are fitted with a forward-control cab which is identical to that of the MAN 32-ton tractive unit, which is now in full supply to the UK market.

The cab is equipped with a hydraulic suspension driver's seat and a full-audio visual display to pinpoint any failures in the usual services such as air pressure, oil pressure and water temperature. One "extra" which is included in the standard specification is a VHF radio. The cab of the model which is being exhibited at Earls Court is fitted with a folding single bunk which is being introduced as an optional extra for operators of MAN non-sleeper cabs.

The front axles arrangement is, in effect, a combination of two MAN tractive unit front axles. A heavy-duty two-spring 26-tonne (25.6-ton) bogie with MAN hub-reduction axles is featured with a lockable third differential. The power-assisted twin steering axles have a capacity of 6.5 tonnes (6.4 tons).

The frame and cross-members are MAN pressings with the main-frame dimensions being 320 x 78 x 8 mm (12.6 x 3.1 x 0.3 in). The brake drums have the same diameter front and rear but the width of the rear drums is slightly larger to give a total lining frictional area of 8,302 sq cm (1,286 sq in). Assuming a fully laden vehicle, this gives a specific lining area of 272 sq cm/ tonne (43 sq in/ ton). The dual-circuit brakes have the first circuit acting on the first and third axles and the second circuit 'acting on the other two. Both rear axles have parking spring brakes.

The suspension of the new MAN is conventional in design with semi-elliptic front springs and double-acting dampers on both front axles. The spring dimensions are 1,500mm long and 100mm wide (59 x 3.94 in). The rear bogie features one radius rod above and two below.

The major mechanical components such as engine and gearbox are the same as for the 16.232 tractive unit. The actual power unit is the MAN D2556 MXF engine which utilizes the unique MAN patented high-swirl combustion system which the Munich company claims gives an exceptionally quiet motor. So quiet in fact that MAN has called it the "Whisper" engine. Developing 172 kW (232 bhp) at 2,300 rpm, the D2556 is a naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine of 11 litres (671 cu in) capacity. The maximum torque of 810Nm, (597 lb ft) is delivered at 1,700 rpm, all these performance figures being to BS AU 141a.

The power is transmitted through a 420 mm (16.5in) single-dry-plate clutch and a ZF AK 6-80 constant-mesh six speed gearbox with a GV80 splitter giving 12 forward speeds. Having the same engine, gearbox and front axle as the other MAN models marketed in the UK obviously means a saving in the number of spare parts which need to be stocked by the operator.

Tubeless tyres (11.00 x 22.5) are fitted and the model on display at Earls Court has double-pole wiring and cross-wise silencer to comply with the UK regulations for the carriage of petroleum spirit. MAN estimates the turning circles of the tipper and haulage models to be 21.2 and 21.8m (69ft 7in and 71ft 6 in) respectively. The corresponding overall lengths of the VFK and VF eight-wheelers are 9.3 and 9.65m (30ft) 6 in and 31ft 8 in).

The MAN 32-ton tractive unit has made impressive inroads into the British top-weight market during the past 12 months and it will be interesting to watch the progress of this latest import.