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TRACTORS
Page 40
Page 41
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TESTER'S CHOICE: ERF ECT CUMMINS Highly Commended: Iveco Straits AS Shortlisted: Mercedes-Benz Actros 2546, Volvo FH12 460 I-shift
AIthough there were three 40-tonners among the eight full-sized tractors we tested in 2003, the fact that none of them made the shortlist is no more than a coincidence—the number of axles wasn't an issue. This annual task is always made easier when there are a few obvious duffers in the line-up, but we were certainly denied that luxury with this bunch. Every one of them is capable of doing what it was intended for: hauling a trailer in a way that satisfies driver and operator alike.
But the bullet is there to be bitten and first to go is the Magnum. Renault's classic flagship attracts a loyal following, but its appeal is rather too limited to make the winner's enclosure. Another mature product ,the Scania R124 with its extremely efficient 420 HPI engine,is showing few signs of age and remains a firm favourite but its very familiarity reduced the extent of our excitement.
Dafs 95XF is in many areas the best big tractor on the market, especially in terms of .s cab quality and accommodation.StagnaLon is too strong a word to describe its recent eriod of consolidation, but the competition is atching up fast.
We tested two examples of the Mercedeslenz Actros 2546. one old and one new, so it ias an easy decision to expel the outgoing nodel from the fray.The new version of the ..ctros made the shortlist as did the Volvo 1-112, but both were let down at the final [ladle by fuel economy that. while adequate, ailed to deliver the promise made by their otherwise impressive credentials.
Any prize for the most improved product would have toga the way of lveco's top tractor. Considering that beneath the skin there still remains the structure of the EuroStar. the cab of the Highly Commended Stralis AS is a massive leap forward; well able to compete on equal terms with most of its contemporaries, although it helps if you like red.There never was much wrong with the bits under the cab. Iveco's Cursor engines punch above their weight, and the now standard fitment of ZF's AS-Tronic does a worthy job of advancing the cause of clutchless trucking.
This time last year we wouldn't have bet too much on ERF' survival into 2004, never mind snapping up our top-weight Testers' Choice. But the awari goes to the ERF ECU, that unlikely mix of an MAN TGA chassis and cab with a Cummins engine.The cab features high standards of build and accommodation, albeit in a soberly efficient Teutonic manner.The factor that clinched it for us was the way the latest joint effort continued a proud tradition of producing record-breaking fuel results. •