"Any that do come in are snapped up very quickly."
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Mike Panne! of Panne! Commercials, Seddon Atkinson's main dealer located at Launceston, Cornwall, carries 20 used Seddon Atkinson multi-wheelers and tractive units. "I just don't have any Strata tractive units with the M11 engine in stock. Any that do come in are snapped up quickly, even with high mileage. Operators recognise their reliability and good fuel economy.
"The earlier 350 Celect is easier to get hold of and they still sell well, but the 14litre Cummins engine is dying away quickly— the M11 is so much lighter. "There has been tremendous interest recently in the larger 17 cab on new models. It costs about 13,000 more but the spec and the extra living space is worth it.
"Choice of transmission is split about 50/50. The older hands who know the Twin Splitter box still spec it, while customers new to Seddon Atkinson often prefer the synchromesh box. The engine brake has been a popular option here in the west. As retarders go it's light. It adds about ing to the weight of the truck, and at £1,300 no one can match Jacob's performance.
"An Eminox exhaust with a particulate trap is another option that could save money. But many operators are still unsure of the replacement implications, and the installation cost of £4,000 is felt to be too high. Cummins has applied for emission certification on the engine. When that comes through there will be even less incentive to fit the cleaner exhaust equipment.
"Air conditioning is not an option yet but with the weather we have been having we are asked for it more and more. Resale prices for an early 4x2 380 Strata M11 start at £25,000. A 6x2 will fetch £29,000 and add another £1,000 for a big cab model."