RIGIDS
Page 37
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
1 7-TONNE
oving up the weight range to the fiercely competitive 17-tonne sector, the battle lines are more clearly defined. Fuel economy and body/payload are of paramount importance; the operator has some control over load volume and, by specifying the engine power, the journey times.
When looking at the contenders there is only 180kg between them in body/payload allowance. With its GRP cab the Foden can afford a sleeper cab and still come within a whisker of the day-cabbed Iveco Ford. Similar accommodation penalised the Seddon Atkinson to the tune of 130kg. Having contained its weight, the Iveco Ford moves ahead on fuel consumption turning in a creditable 14.2mpg.
Seddon Atkinson suffered a further £1,900 penalty for its sleeper cab making it the most expensive of the trio. The Oldham product also lost out on parts prices and contract maintenance costs and has double the servicing downtime of the Foden. A sleeper cab didn't prohibit the Foden from turning in both the lowest list and parts prices (although it won't quote for a manufacturer-backed maintenance contract). When it comes to dealer coverage, there's nothing to touch Iveco Ford.
The Foden was the only one of the trio fitted with air suspension—it came out top in the ride and handling section. For the other two, you'd need a computer to differentiate between them.
While the Iveco Ford and Seddon share the cab, the Seddon came in high-roof sleeper form and scored highly in the driver appeal category. Gripes about both include the twin stalks for indicators and lights on the left on the steering column. With its small cab, the Iveco Ford turned in the lowest noise figures. Separating the twins was the Foden—with sleeper cab, air suspension and sensibly placed radio—its driver gets a good deal. All the contenders had electric raise and lower on the nearside window.
Innovations are hard to come by in such a mature market but both the Iveco Ford and Seddon Atkinson were fitted with a diagnostic panel which indicate such things as worn brake linings. For this both were awarded a mark. All of the contenders scored well in the safety section: cab access is good throughout. The Foden was well equipped with mirrors giving excellent rearward visibility. In the other camp, knee-height windows fitted in the Iveco Ford and Seddon Atkinson are useful in some operations.
In such a closely contested sector comparisons are easy, decisions are not. By the narrowest of margins the lveco Ford took the honours but all the contenders could easily take pride of place in any fleet.