ERF
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ECS11.38MT
DRIVERS' VIEWS
IR CARL THURSTON-PCILKE) from Kent drives a Mercedes-Benz Actros 1840 car transporter for Brit European. "Its just the same as the MAN 2000," he told us as he settled in behind the wheel. "The roof is higher than in mine and I like the wood veneer trim. It's a lot quieter than the Actros. The floor button for the exhaust brake is too far back. M-B's engine brake is more powerful and it revs to 3.000rpm on the overrun. This Cummins unit goes into the red at 1,900rpm but it pulls more strongly low down than my 400 and it seems quieter. The gear change is easy but the reverse gate still a bit tight."
• KEVIN RADFORD drives a Renault Premium 420 CDi for City out of Alconbury. "Wait for the dash lights to go out before starting the engine, just like mine" he noted. The seats are more comfortable than the Renault's but the ride Is a bit firm. The cab doesn't lean much but you can feel every bump on the road. The front screen could be deeper. otherwise visibility is very good. I'd like the centre switch panel to be closer. The horn is a joke and I couldn't put up with that indicator repeater. It's a lot more driver friendly than earlier ERF cabs but it is only OK for a couple of nights out a week."
• MARK SZANDROWS K:, driving a Daf 95 400 for Penton's Haulage of Ruyton X1 Towns, was waiting to swap trailers." Climbing in is not difficult" he commented while adjusting the seat back to make room for himself. 'It's a very comfortable cab and not a bad size for most drivers but I would find it a bit small overnight. Visibility is fine; there are no blind spots. The gear change is nice and smooth and the brakes feel smooth too but very powerful at the same time. The engine pulls well and digs in as the revs drop off to about a 1,000 rpm. But the exhaust brake doesn't do a lot. The ride is firm and very level on the corners."