Volvo takes .he wraps Dff Middle East special
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A BID to answer the .ticism levelled at the suitility of many present truck signs for the demanding iddle East run Volvo has me up with a new prototype b design.
Unveiled last week the cab, .sed on an F88, will test ration from drivers and operors—a similar procedure to at adoOted by Seddon Atkinn with their 400 series. Comirison with the DAF SuperIntinental, reviewed in CM last week, is inevitable, but although similar types of extra equipment have been installed the actual layout is somewhat different.
The cooking/washing/storage module is fitted into the space normally occupied by the passenger seat. A two-ring GAZ cooker is provided with enough gas—stored in two bottles—for approximately ten days' usage.
A small electric refrigerator is also fitted 'into the unit. Water for washing and cooking is supplied from a 32 litre (7gal) tank and pumped up to the small sink by a footoperated pump.
The driver uses the bunk as a seat when eating or cooking. When the sink and cooker are not in use, small flaps covered in Formica hinge over them. To provide extra protection against flying stones a fold away expanded metal guard for the windscreen is included as part of the package.
Above : This week sees the announcement of another Middle East cab—this time from Volvo. It is however more in the nature of a prototype than a production vehicle.
One of the more exotic pieces of extra equipment provided is a survival blanket of the type used by astronauts. As an additional extra for driver comfort a fold away ' shower unit can be provided which can be quickly erected alongside 'the cab. The driver pressurises a container containing 6.8 litres (1%gal) of water by means of a hand pump, steps into the shower and opens a valve and the pressure in the container does the rest.
There is no such thing as a " standard " Volvo Middle East package. Instead Volvo has a number of optional extras which can be provided in any combination to suit the individual operator.
The prototype shown in the photograph had all the other extras shown in the accompanying list which added an extra 254kg (5cWt) to the allup kerb weight giving a total of 6.65 tonnes (6 tans 1 lcwt).
In a survey carried out a few months ago Ailsa Trucks, who are of course, the UK concessionaires for Volvo, discovered that in the UK alone 150 Volvos are engaged solely in transport to the Middle East. This is second only to the number of Swiss operators engaged on the same run. Other equipment included in the standard kit is : an extra 35 gallon fuel tank; four fog and spot lights; air powered horns; heated mirrors; rear loading lamp; back up warning buzzer; spray deflectors; fire extinguishers; Donaldson heavy duty air cleaner; SAB slack adjusters; gearbox range. inhibitor; sun visor; headlight wash and wipe equipment; and, on the inside of the cab, door pockets, a document holder, and eight-track stereo player.
In conjunction with a r her of operators, Ailsa I made up a compreher spare parts package toge with a small " first aid " kit. A trailer parts kit at recommended tool kit is eluded in the Middle package.