Tx Eagle prepares to fly Metalair for
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
British Salt
• The most powerful version of the Perkins Tx Eagle engine range, the 298kW (400hp) 400Tx, is expected to be officially launched in the UK in October after the Motor Show. Commercial Motor understands that although some more work could be outstanding on reducing overall noise levels, Perkins is close to signing off the engine for general release.
A number of evaluation versions of the air-to-air chargecooled 400Tx 12.17-litre engine have already been running with operators in a variety of trucks including ERE and Seddon Atkinson with positive feedback reported. Under test with CM, the lower-powered Eagle Tx325 engine has turned in good results in both ERF and Foden tractive units.
Details on the installation of the 4001‘x in an ERF E Series tractor have already been published, although operators will still probably have to wait until the official launch before being able to order an E12.40.
The Eagle 400Th in the E Series has a net installed pow er rating of 282kW (378hp) at 1,900rpm and a peak torque of 1,785Nm (1,3161bft) delivered between 1,000 and 1,250rpm.
It is coupled to an Eaton Twin Splitter in the E12.40, which will be offered as either a 4X2 or twin steer tractor.
Kerbweights for the two tractors are likely to be similar to those of the 4x2 and 6x2 E12.37ST and E12.37T-1' models powered by the 375Tx.
It seems likely that ERF will be the first truck to offer the 400Tx in the UK. Seddon Atkinson has been carrying out its own tests on the power unit, but it says there are no immediate plans for an introduction. The Strato is currently only available with the 325Tx.
Foden says that it will offer the 400Tx when it is available from Perkins and has completed Type Approval. The Tx400-powered 4000 Series tractor will be sold alongside the equivalent Cumminsengined model.