:RF 11-tonne onslaught
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ERF is stepping up attack on the 17nne market with a w high-powered rigid sed on the £8.
The Sandbach-based inufacturer already Is the E6.18 and the htweight ES6.18 in s increasingly cointitve sector, both pa red by the 126kW 69hp) Cummins Bries. Now they will joined by an E8 ;2 rigid with the 8.3e Cummins Cseries it.
ERF already markets 17-tonne E8, but this the E8.261)B which designed specifically drawbar operation, using 6CTAA 183kW (245hp) enle. The new vehicle is excted to employ the less werful 151kW (202hp) 6CT rivative, with the same iton 6109 nine-speed arbox. This would put the ERF in direct competition with more powerful 17-tonne rigids like Iveco Ford's 1721 (which uses the same Cummins/Eaton driveline).
The company is also considering an expansion of its range of ES6 and ES8 models featuring the smaller steel Steyr cab. These are both available as 6x4 chassis, but it seems unlikely that 8X4s will be produced (the lightweight cab would not offer a significant payload advantage in this form). A more probable development is a lightweight ES8.26 32-tonne tractor.
Despite the takeover of Steyr by MAN, ERF remains confident that supplies of the Austrian cab will be secure for years to come.
O ERF has boosted its European Service Support Programme by linking up with Octagon Recovery. ERF operators can now enrol in the free scheme for immediate assistance in Western Europe, including recovery to a local service point, or return to the UK.
Alan Forster, ERF parts and service director, says: "The ERF scheme will solve the difficulties of truckers in need of roadside assistance."