OPERATORS' VERDICTS
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We rang the changes with the Magnum: instead of asking drivers for their opinions we spoke to a number of Magnum 420 operators with and without TBV for a second opinion on their productivity and reliability...
Sibley Haulage runs 29 trucks on longhaul UK and Continental work out of its headquarters just south of Milton Keynes. In addition to 18 Major 3855 it runs a 420Ti Magnum. It used to have two but sold one recently, although not because there was anything wrong with it, as Paul Sibley explains: "We got rid of one as I was offered the same money I bought it for and I couldn't turn it down! It was an ex-demonstrator; we ran it for sixteen months and sold it for the same money we got it for—it was a "free" motor for 16 months!" However, both 420tis hove done a good job. "We've had no problems with either; they've been very reliable," says Sibley. "The fuel consumption is excellent. We've got around 9mpg running at mixed weights with a 4.2m trailer on British and Continental work. The driver loves it; there's plenty of storage space in the cab." And, as he points out, a comfortable driver is a productive driver. As much of the company's work is volume, rather than weight sensitive, Sibley is not too worried by the Magnum's hefty kerbweight. The company's remaining Magnum is now 25 months old. "It's serviced by ourselves," says Sibley. "Parts aren't a problem but we don't really use any. We're happy with the dealer back-up." Sibley's 420ti has the B18 manual box but he'd be happy to look at TBV: "We'll try anything once."
Burway Transport at Shrewsbury has four Magnum 420 4x2s in its fleet running on Continental work, all on manual transmissions. Proprietor Meirion Jones reports: "We've got on well with them. We had one on test for while, we liked it and it performed well on the ground." Kerbweights could be better, however: "They could do with trimming it back," says Jones. "They've got enormous fuel capacity but that does mean we don't buy fuel in Italy where it's expensive and don't get the VAT back! On fuel consumption they do vary a bit. I'd say we're getting around 8mpg as an average. However, if they go over the Alps it can hit it a bit. "The drivers like them a lot," he adds. "There's masses of storage space. I've driven them a fair bit myself and the gearshift can be a bit heavy, but then I've got years of experience on EPS." Burway has had one major driveline problem with the 420's 12-litre power unit: "We had two engines pick up on number five piston. They put it down to the one getting most heat and being the least cooled by the fan in terms of airflow—it doesn't have the same effect on number six—they both happened on the same day. Renault was obviously expecting it as they were re-engined right away. After two years nothing else comes to mind.. .they were isolated cases."
Greenock-based G8,5 International runs 14 tractors, including seven Magnums on time-sensitive Continental reefer work hauling fruit and veg back from Spain, Portugal and Greece. Owner George Brown originally hod three TBV 420 tag-axle 6x2s but exchanged them for 4x2 520s with the B18 manual splitter box as the 4x2s offer better payload margins. However, Brown had no complaint with TBV: "The drivers loved it. They acclimatised to it reasonably quickly, although I felt that with its gearing the nine-speed wasn't the ideal spec for the 420." With so much power on top Brown reckons the TBV nine-speed is more appropriate on a vee-eight 520. He'd also like to see greater standardisation of semi-automated systems: "Each one is different and that doesn't help drivers get used to them. Brown describes the Magnum cabs as "unbeatable for our work...the drivers love them". He also rates Renault's quality control. "After eight months on the road we've had 100% reliability."
Paul Sibley-. "The driver loves it; there's plenty of storage space in the cals."
Clachan Transport of Paisley's 22-strong all-Renault fleet includes one 420 TBV Magnum which was bought as an ex-demonstrator, says operations director John Conn. "The drivers take to it fairly quickly. The only problem we've had with the truck has been non-starting although we don't know whether its connected with TBV." Conn is looking to Renault to solve the problem. Notwithstanding that the 420 has performed reliably on both UK and Continental general haulage work.