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Moving up to 41 tonnes

30th July 1998, Page 19
30th July 1998
Page 19
Page 19, 30th July 1998 — Moving up to 41 tonnes
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

by Charles Young Truck manufacturers' reception to the Government's Transport White Paper is cool but they are nevertheless giving advice to operators who might want to convert 4x2 tractors into 41-tonne three-axled units.

ERF's 3.84m 4x2 with sliding fifth wheel is ready drilled to accommodate a third axle and the network is geared up to fit these in about 80 depots. The Rockwell axle weighs 975kg.

Managing director John Bryant says: "Even this increase, welcome as it is, does not completely harmonise us with the rest of Europe. We feel that an opportunity has been lost to go for 44 tonnes."

Leyland Daf says operators must go to an independent converter if they want to upgrade to three axles. Marketing manager Tony Pain says that until the VED rate for a 40-tonne five-axied artic is published, the benefits of a 41-tonner over six axles are unclear.

"An extra axle weighs about a tonne so the payload is about the same (as a 40-tonner)," he says. "In payload terms you gain nothing, but you're talking Z3,000-5,000 to buy the third axle. Plus the fuel economy will be about 0.25mpg worse. This could be as much as £4,0005,000 over five years.

"Until they know what the VED rates are going to be it gives people a reason to do nothing," he adds.

Mercedes-Benz will also carry out conversions to its predrilled 4x2s at Wentworth Park. The conversions carry a full warranty and cost around £5,300.

A spokesman for Mercedes-Benz says: "We see it as a lost opportunity yet again. Although any increase in gross weight is welcome, a move towards harmonisation would be even more welcome. Further clarity on VED would also be a good idea for hard-pressed operators."

Scania's product marketing manager David Burke says the company does not anticipate the conversions being a problem. "We would prefer it to be done with genuine Scania parts and within the Scania network but we appreciate there are some very good converters out there."

MAN says its 3.8m 4x2s are suitable for conversion although it has no plans at present to carry out the conversions itself.

Volvo has no facilities for conversions but advises operators to seek advice through its distributor who can put them on to a suitable converter.

A spokesman for Renault VI says the company strongly discourages any conversions that might compromise the safety criteria of factory-built trucks. Operators should discuss the conversion with Renault truck dealers.

Iveco has existing facilities to carry out an engineering approved adaptation throughout its dealer network.


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