1FT's lightest yet
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• Iveco Ford claims that at 8,/:30kg its new eight-legger from Germany is the lightest tipping chassis in its class.
Designated 300.30, it uses a turbocharged version of the 12.76 naturally-aspirated veeeight air-cooled Deutz engine which is fitted to the lowerpowered 300.25 8 x 4 chassis. With a bore and stroke of 125x 130mm, the Deutz puts out 225kW of power at 2,300rpm and 1,120Nm of torque at 1,400rpm through a 420mm single plate clutch to either a nine-speed Fuller, or a 16-speed ZF gearbox.
Axle ground clearance is helped by double drive hub reduction axles incorporating inter-axle and cross-axle differential locks. Parabolic springs are fitted front and rear to minimise unladen weight.
Like the Iveco Ford 300.25, it is offered with wheelbases of 5,960mm and 6,460mm.
Impressions We recently drove the new model under quarry site conditions. The extra 38kW of power and 230Nm of torque gained by turbocharging the F8L513 air-cooled unit make the inclusion of a nine-speed transmission a practical proposi tion even for operation over severe terrain.
A usetul exhaust brake allows control on descents, independent of the Girling Stopmaster wedge-operated brakes. The gear lever installation is very high, resulting in a long throw, but although uncomfortable, it does not prevent rapid gear changing. ZF power steering gives precise, light directional control.
Iveco's Tec cab is fitted for hose-down cleaning with a rubber floor covering, but offers a hint of luxury with an Isringhausen air suspension seat, an electrically-operated nearside window and heated mirrors. A modified lower step is awkward to use when dismounting.