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• by Colin Barnett Foden this week announced two further extensions to its "Advanced Function Concept" programme: the Foden institute of Driveline Management (FIDM) and the Foden Data Extraction (FODEX) service. Foden intends these moves to provide proof of its serious intent to expand in the distribution tractor sector.
FIDM
This is a "free" two-day residential training course at a regional centre for the driver of each new Foden Alpha tractor sold from now on.
A voucher will be sent, which is redeemable within 60 days of the truck's registration, to cover training, accommodation and meals. Recognising that some operators may have double-shifting policies, Foden can train further drivers at a cost of around 1,400.
The FIDM training syllabus has two main components. The first covers general roadcraft, with the emphasis on start-of-shift safety and maintenance procedures, as well as defensive driving techniques and using anticipation to make the truck's progress as efficient and stress-free as possible.
The second aim of this training is to provide the driver with an understanding of how modern electronically con trolled engines work, and how to use this knowledge to obtain the best possible fuel economy. While the main thrust of this part of the training is based on being at the most appropriate engine speed at all times, it also covers the effective use of cruise control and engine brakes.
To ensure that the instructors know their stuff, Caterpillar, Cummins and Eaton have all provided input to their training. Documentary proof of the effectiveness of the training is provided by analysis of data downloaded to a laptop PC at the end of each road session. After a highly condensed half-day version of the course, CM's"guinea pig" managed a 0.3mpg improvement in fuel economy.
FODEX
This is a vehicle data acquisition system with a difference. Rather than the operator downloading his truck's operational data at a convenient time, FODEX
is designed to automatically download the data to Foden's Sandbach HQ, either at a pre-arranged time or on demand, via the GSM mobile telephone system from anywhere in the world (subject to GSM coverage).
Foden will then analyse the data, forwarding full printed reports and singlepage summaries to the operator.
The system is independent, with its own mobile phone SIM card and a selfsufficient back-up power supply The driver has a small in-cab display unit and a keyboard. This is a modular system so a range of functions can be added, including GPS mapping, door opening and fridge temperature monitoring, maintenance recording and driving delays. These are options at extra cost.
FODEX is based on technology successfully used by the Australian firm Computing Instruments since 1996. One innovation is that Foden has developed a kit to enable many of the data-logging functions of its larger electronic engines to be available on the Cummins B-series used in many of its 17-tonners.