"More power, and more options, please"
Page 62
Page 64
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Together with improved durability these are the operator requirements identified by some manufacturers of lightweights. Bill Brock here describes the results of their endeavour to satisfy those requirements
VEHICLES with gvws between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes are the lightest which have to be operated professionally; that is, they require plating and testing, and must have tachographs, though their drivers do not require hgv licences.
The current choice of manufacturers, body styles and drive lines can probably meet most requirements.
As with the models at less than 3.5 tonnes, improvements to current models centre on the durability aspect of design with protection added to the more vulnerable areas during assembly by anti-rust techniques.
Changes in trim give wellestablished models a more modern appearance, and inside, a better environment for the driver.
Stand 220 Mercedes-Benz
THE MERCEDES-BENZ "Dusseldorf" models have a different body style from that of the lighter 207 panel vans, but a revised front panel with black plastic moulded grille brings both ranges visually into line.
Interior insulation and trim are intended to reduce the level of in-cab noise.
The model shown has a wheelbase of 3.5m (lift 6in) and an increased plated weight of 5.2 tonnes.
Stand 515 IVECO
MORE POWER at 7.5 tonnes is provided in the form of the 79.13.1 fitted with a 5.5-litre Fiat 8060.04 direct-injection six-cylinder engine rated at 92kW (123bhp) and maximum torque of 343Nm (253Ibft).
A 304mm (121n) diameter single-dry-plate clutch transmits the drive to a Fiat five-speed gearbox.
Top gear gives a maximum governed speed of 103km/h (64mph) and first a gradeability of 1 in 2.5. In chassis-cab form wheelbases of 3.6m (lift) and 4.42m (14ft 6in) provide for maximum body lengths of 4.8m (15ft Bin) and 6m (19ft 8in). An integral van or chassis cab can be ordered with a wheelbase of 3m (9ft 10in).
Construction of the integral body of 60.10.1 and 79.10.1 models has been revised. Horizontal ribbed panels for each side reduce the length of welded seams which are treated against corrosion and sealed.
A grp roof gives the same interior height of 1.9m (6ft 3in) as the previous high roof van. An increased rear overhang extends the floor length to 5.1m (16ft 10in) enlarging the volume to 16.8cum (593cuft).
Access, too, has been made easier; the sliding side door is wider by 203mm (Bin) and now measures 1.1m (3ft 7in), while the interior bulkhead door is wider by 152mm (6in).
Both vans and chassis cabs now have automatic brake ad justment and more powerfu vacuum servos, with 20 per cen wider brake shoes which raisi the frictional area fron 1,626sqcm (252sqin) t( 2,323sqcm (360sqin).
A revised gear change linkagi provides a more positivi change. New front and rear ligh clusters have protective cover behind the reflector bodies an are better sealed.
Stand 537 Ford
THE A-SERIES bridges the gal between the Transit and Caryl ranges. At the top of the rang€ the A0609 is plated at 6,300ki gvw and has a 3.3m (10ft 10ir wheelbase. The Ford engine is six-cylinder 3.5-litre diesel un which develops 66kW (89bhp and the gearbox is a four spee model. At the light end of th Cargo range, the 0811 has maximum weight of 7.5 tonne and a wheelbase of 3.73m (12 3in).
The six-litre engine is one ( Ford's new 90-150 range of el gines and develops 850 (114bhp) at 2,600rpm. Sho model features include a stylE stack pipe, 115-litre (25ga1) fu tank, and a heavy-duty battery.
Stand 542 Karrier Motors
THERE ARE two examples of tt. Dodge 50-Series shown by Ka rier Motors, the company no responsible for marketing bol Renault medium and heav commercial vehicles as well the Dodge range in the UK.
The 50-Series has sold well the 3.5 to 7.5-tonne bracket sin( it was introduced in 1979. Th year, a number of improvements are being made. Wax injection, for example, is a standard feature providing extra protection to all areas vulnerable to corrosion.
The Dodge S46 High Capacity van shown has a gross weight of 4,600kg. Internal standing height measures 1.87m (6ft 11/2in) in the load area. With the longest of the two wheelbases available, it provides a usable load volume of 12.8cum (450cuft) with a bulkhead fitted.
A Perkins diesel engine developing 54.2kW (72.6bhp) drives through a four-speed gearbox to a Dodge rear axle plated at 3,200kg.
The show model is equipped with the Dodge "comfort pack" which includes a well-trimmed cab with cloth-covered and height-adjustable seat. The optional translucent roof is also fitted.
Overall length measures 5.89m (19ft 4in) with a wheel base of 3.66m (12ft).
Plated for 5.6 tonnes gvw, the S56 shown has a 4.04m (13ft 3in) wheelbase suitable for a maximum body length of 4.5m (14ft 9in). A six-cylinder petrol engine is available as an alternative to its 54kW (73bhp) diesel engine.
The G08, the lightest model in the Commando range, is on display powered by the latest Perkins D6 354.4 diesel engine rated at 76kW (102bhp). The Dodge four-speed gearbox is standard but a five-speed synchromesh box may be specified. Three wheelbase dimensions, starting at 3.45m (lift 4in) cover different operational requirements.