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OTHER CONTENDERS Leyland Daf 85.360 Iveco EuroTech 400E34

27th January 1994
Page 31
Page 31, 27th January 1994 — OTHER CONTENDERS Leyland Daf 85.360 Iveco EuroTech 400E34
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The 260kW (350hp) sector is the scene of several David and Goliath battles, not least that between ERF and any one of four giants: Volvo, Scania,Iveco and Mercedes-Benz,

Conflict also smoulders on between those old adversaries Iveco and fallen giant Leyland Daf; it's likely to burst into flames at any moment.

From this hotly contested segment three of the best emerged on our Scottish test route within a month of each other.

This power segment is an appealing one because fuel efficiency and journey times are so dependent on careful driveline specification. The contenders' high torque outputs, particularly that of the Cummins' unit in the ERF, are also significant with the new 56mph speed limit.

Leyland Daf's 85-360 came tops on payload at 24.25 tonnes ahead of the Iveco EuroTech's 24.12 tonnes with ERF's EC1035ST a 100kg smidgin behind it.

There was little to choose between them on average speeds, all being fairly mean machines, but on fuel economy the trio changed places.

Both the Leyland Daf and Iveco tractors proved extremely economical at just over 7.5 mpg (around 371it/100km), but the ERF was way out front at 7.8mpg (36.21it/100km). Little wonder that with Cummins' Celect electronic fuel management system in control the EC10-350 nosed ahead on productivity.

The 85-Series had four-bag electronically controlled suspension (ECAS) on the drive axle. Although its ride seemed hard at the steel-sprung front end the overall impression was that it handled well, It was unsophisticated steel all round on the EuroTech and its ride lacked a certain polish, while the ERF EC's fairly well-tuned steel front springs and four-bag rear end seemed a worthwhile option.

Eaton's slick Twin Splitter box (with SAMT as an option) featured on the ERF and Iveco; the Leyland Daf came with ZF's Ecosplit 16-speeder.

Both the 85-Series and EuroTech cabs are still sparklingly fresh and have a practical fleet feel to them—but neither make the ERF's shapely SMC pannelled cab inferior.

The Iveco wins out on basic list priuce, saving nigh on £5,000 on the cost of the ERF—but the Daf in turn costs £5,000 more than the ERF, with another £2,000 for ECAS air suspension. When it comes to running costs the ERF's spares package costs some 25% less than the opposition, and its recordbreaking fuel consumption can't be ignored in this context.

Inevitably this was one of the toughest sectors from' which to choose an overall winner, but we feel the EC10.35 tractor will appeal to both operators and drivers alike and can compete shoulder to shoulder with the Continentals.

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