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Versatile workhorse
Page 70
Page 71
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Renaults current offering in the 7.5-tonne sector is the Midlum. It was launched in February 2000 so a growing number of used examples are coming up for
grabs. Geoff Ashcroft assesses
its strengths and weaknesses.
Renault has sold almost 4.000 Midlums since its launch in February 2000. This versatile 7.5-tonner is available with a four-pot turbodiesel rated at 150 or 180hp, or you can have a 6.1-litre straight six developing 220hp.
At the start the 150hp dominated, accounting for more than 99% of Midlum sales in 2000, and the favoured wheelbase was 4.45m. Sales of the 150hp option have gradually declined in favour of the 180, which made up 67% of all Midlum registrations last year.The 220 remains a minority interest.
Standard transmission is the five-speed ZF 55-42 box with Eaton six-speed 4106B available as an extra-cost option.
Ventilated disc brakes are fitted all round, backed up by an antilock braking system.All models have a 3.400kg front axle with a 5,200kg rear axle and the ability to run up to 18.75 tonnes GCW .
Tipper versions are available, mostly with the day cab, but a 'Global' cab can be fitted. It's 400mm deeper and comes with a choice of four specifications: Office. Relax. Night and Utility.
Standard spec on the day cab includes: cruise control: an airsuspended driver's seat, a 'deluxe' dual passenger seat with a backrest that folds flat to make a table; electrically operated windows; and heated remotecontrol rear-view mirrors.
Some Midlums have been supplied with a 617-seat factoryfitted crewcab option.
CVR's Midlums
Mark Sanders, MD of Commercial Vehicle Rentals (CYR), runs 20 Midlums in a mixed fleet of over 200 vehicles based at Fradley Park.Lichfield.Staffs.
CVR's Midlums go out on spot hire, contract hire and long-term deals: bodies are a mix of boxes, curtainsiders and platforms: and they average 100,000 miles a year.
"We run mostly 150s but have some I 80s in the fleet too," says Sanders. "They're OK on fuel, though in this sector fuel is less of an issue than it is on larger trucks.
"Customers don't want complex lorries, they want to just turn the key and go," Sanders adds. "And this is where the Midlum has won us over—it offers plenty of power, and has a simple gearbox and neat and tidy cab.'lliere's nothing complicated about the truck. It does exactly what it says on the tin and they are also relatively easy to look after." He's pleased with their residuals too.
Good compromise "We try and keep them on the fleet for about five years, and we've also added used models in recent times to keep up with demand for this popular 7.5tonner," Sanders says. "It has proved to be a very good product for the hire market and for our business, and the recent facelift will just help to extend its appeal. It's not perfect, but it is a very good compromise."
A spokesman for independent dealer Commercial Vehicle Asset Management in North Wales says trade in Midi urns has been slow in its area because not many local operators run 7.5-tonners: -Midlums will sell on price in this area, simply because there isn't much demand for 7.5-tonners here — and where customers do want the odd one, they'll stick with a more proven brand in this region.
"That's a shame really, because they are good trucks.They just lack popularity and brand strength against Daf and Iveco.
• But that could be good news for • the used truck bargain hunters." •