Small show big happenings
Page 25
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Brian Weatherley • It's an indication of the calibre, and the buying-power, of visitors to the IRTE's Scottish show that so many truck manufacturers are using it as a UK launch pad for new models.
First it was going to be at Glasgow, then it wasn't, now it is—Seddon Atkinson's latest T6 Strato tractor finally breaks cover at the SEC, sporting the Oldham truck maker's version of the Iveco EuroTech cab, atop a Cummins/Eaton/Rockwell driveline.
Operators will choose between the 1,10 or N14 Cummins, but the N14 will only be offered up to 306kW (410hp). There's no Perkins Tx option as yet.
Big fleet
The show tractor is an L10-325powered 4x2 steel-sprung sleeper cab belonging to Munro Transport of Aberdeen. The T6 is lighter and aimed more at the big fleet/haulier than the existing Strato with the Pegaso Ironer cab.
In time all Seddon Atkinson tractors will have the same cabs as equivalent Iveco models while retaining the big A and their own styling panels.
The other major SEC launch is the Volvo FR, complete with smooth aerodynamic cab which replaces the existing Flair] 2/ F16 cabin but not the FL (for full details see pages 8-11). Volvo is displaying a pair of two-axle, airsprung PHs: an FH12-420 with the latest version of Volvo's 12litre straight six; and a top-of-the-range F1-116-520 complete with Globetrotter high-roof cab. Completing the Swedish manufacturer's line-up is a ELIO 6x2 running with Strathclyde Regional Council.
The new Eindhoven-built Leyland Daf 65-210 17-tonner was first seen at Brussels in January but it makes its British debut this week, replacing the old Daf 1900 middleweight. Power conies from the same 6.2-litre engine as used in the 60-210 (Freighter)—but the 60 Series will continue to be sold alongside the new 65 Series.
Also on the Leyland Daf stand is the latest FAT 75.270 six. wheeler which was launched at TipCon in May.
Now that the non-Euro-I engined 70 and 80 Series (Constructors) have bitten the dust all multi-wheelers are sourced from Holland, along with the new 75 and 85 tractors (for a full roadtest on the FT85.360 see next week's issue).
Following the unveiling of the EC artic range at Telford ERF has expanded the EC family with multi-wheelers and two-axle rig-ids. On show
at Glasgow is the EC10.32 eight-legger, plated at 32 tonnes and powered by the popular 10-litre Cummins, ERF's Sandbach rival Foden Trucks is sticking with Perkinsengined models, displaying a 4375 tractor alongside a 3300 six-wheeler, Both are fitted with the latest Euro-1 Tx300.
Having enjoyed some notable drawbar sales with the likes of Brit European Transport MAN has introduced a new 6x2 prime mover at Glasgow. The 23372FNL drawbar rigid features another first from the German truck maker: ECAS electronically controlled air-suspension on its front-axle. This is now an option on all F90 MAN draw-bar chassis, including the three-axle 23.372FNL, which has a single-tyre trailing rear axle and is designed to operate up to and beyond 38 tonnes. Power is provided by the 276kW (370hp) ECO version of MAN's 12-litre straight-six.
Twin-steer
Also on show is a 22.422FVLT twin-steer tractor destined for Grampian Distribution.
There are three Iveco Ford EuroTech tractors at the SEC and two of them—a 4x2 and a 6x2 400E-34—are available for driving with a test trailer. IFT is also showing a 10-tonne New Cargo owned by Dunn and Moore and a 59.12 TurboDaily running with Scottish Power.
Mercedes-Benz (UK) is showing five commercials at Glasgow., including a 308D van with an insulated milkfloat body, an 814 7.5-tonne box van and three airsuspended tractors: a 2544LS, an 1850LS and an 18311S.
Like ERF, Renault is showing an eight-legger at SEC: in this case one of the latest Maxter G340t132D 8x4s in the colours of WI-I Malcolm of Brookside. It has an F,dbro steel tipping body and GT day cab.
E For a full report on the show see next week's issue.