Leyland extends 145 to volume market
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WITH BARELY a whisper, Leyland Vehicles this week freed the first 145 replacements for its high volume middle-weight Gcab range on to the market in time for next month's Scottish Motor Show. BILL BROCK reports.
The new Freighter 16.15 and 16.13 models are already in production, and replace the Clydesdale range of 4x2 rigid chassis, which will be phased out over the next two months. Both are plated at 16.2 tonnes gvw and are powered by the 400-series engines introduced on Clydesdale and Reiver models two years ago.
A front-axle twin taper leaf, shackle ended, suspension pack, employed in conjunction with double-acting telescopic shock absorbers, rated at 6.6 tonne is similar to that used on the Constructor range, but new multileaf springs with a taper leaf helpers are used at the rear.
The broad specification remains similar to that of the Clydesdale, but with changes mentioned above, gives a kerb weight of around 4.6 tonnes.
A lower-powered version of the 6x4 Constructor range, the 24.15, plated to 24 tons gvw, has replaced the Reiver. As with the 16.15 Freighter, it is powered by the turbocharged Leyland 411 engine rated at 115kW (154bhp) at 2600rpm, with a torque output Df 486 Nm (3601bft) at 1600rpm.
The Freighter 16.13 is specified with the 402 naturallysspirated unit giving a power )utput of 100kW (135bhp) at ?600rpm with a torque rating of rhe Constructor 24.15 415 Nm (3061bft) at 1600rpm. Both engines are fitted with Eaton viscous drive fans.
Freighter and Constructor are equipped with a slim version of the C40 cab, which tilts hydraulically to a full 65° with improved access to engine and gearbox.
The cooling system header tank is located to the nearside rear of the cab, while the clutch fluid reservoir and cold start device are beneath the front grille.
The front screen is almost one third larger than on the G-cab, and all other windows are bigger. Internal noise has been reduced to 78dBa, according to Leyland, and despite a low engine tunnel, cross-cab access is said to be better.
A driver suspension seat remains an option. The 8kW heater is more than 50 per cent more powerful, and ventilation air flow is increased by 40 per cent.
Anti-corrosion treatment includes a full immersion paint process, and wax lance sealing of all box sections. Zinc-plated steel panels are used under the wings, the front panel is made of aluminium to avid rusting from stone chips, and the cab is undersealed.
Albion-built sixand ten-speed constant mesh gearboxes and hub reduction axles will continue to be offered.
The through drive, adopted on more powerful Constructor models, supercedes the transfer box and twin propshaft arrangement on the Reiver, and is simpler, lighter, and easier to service. A two-spring T6 bogie will be available soon, but the Reiver's four-spring non-reactive tandem axle suspension is retained as standard.
List prices for Freighter models are quoted as £17,540 for 16.15, £17,200 for 16.13. No price has yet been announced for Constructor 24.15 but is expected to be about £24,500.