Strato shifts on Roadranger
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• Seddon Atkinson aims to extend the operator apppeal of its Strato tractive unit range with the addition of a factoryfitted Petroleum Regulations package, and an optional ninespeed Fuller Roadranger gearbox in place of the Eaton Twin Splitter transmission.
The Pet Regs conversion costs 21,086 and includes full double-pole wiring, frontmounted exhaust, battery isolator master switch and a neat moulded GRP fire screen. The first Pet Reg Strata has been ordered by tanker operator BOC. The conversion is available on all models except for the high roof Strato cruiser.
From the beginning of March Strata buyers will also be able to specify a nine-speed Fuller RTX11609B gearbox, in place of the standard Eaton TS011612 Twin Splitter 12speed box. The Roadranger option covers all Stratos except for the most powerful 17.40C model fitted with the 298kW (400hp) Cummins Super E 14litre engine. The nine-speed rangechange box saves 53kg in kerbweight and 250 on the chassis price. It is being offered in response to demands from rental fleets which feel that spotrental drivers will find it easier than the Twin Splitter to oper ate without any instruction.
Seddon says it is looking at the Semi-Automated Mechanical Transmission (SAMT) versimi of the Twin Splitter, but will not be offering it this year as it "does not think the market is quite ready for it". I: A twin-steer Strata tractor is likely to make its first appearance around June, possibly along with the latest Perkins Eagle engine. The 12.2litre TX325 Eagle will be offered with the same gearbox/ back axle combination as the current Cummins LTAA10325-powered Straw.
The Eagle is intended to meet demand for an alternative to the Strata's 10 and 14-litre Cummins power units, although Seddon does not plan to fit a Gardner engine due to low operator demand.
Rival manufacturer ERF is committed to fitting the latest Cummins Super E365 engine, but Seddon says that "for the moment" it will not be fitting it in the Strata, although it is "in discussions" over such a move. Fitting the E365 14-litre engine would entail coupling it up to the stronger TS13612 Twin Splitter box and Rockwell Lf180E back axles — components which are currently only fitted on the most powerful 17.40C Strato model.