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D straight from the existing 16 catalogue, which is why,

31st October 2002
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Page 50, 31st October 2002 — D straight from the existing 16 catalogue, which is why,
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

when totting up our shopping baskets, it compares so very favorably across the group.

We first listed a dozen quick moving parts: mainly service items that need replacing on a regular basis, followed by a selection of major components, ones that may only need exchanging after long, arduous service.

Our baseline samples were current 6x2 fleet tractive units with manual gearboxes. Although fairly similar in outline, purpose and capability, their design differences make like-for-like comparisons virtually impossible, however.

For the best use of these figures, it's vital to refer to the build specification of your shortlisted fleet replacements. Check out respective warranties, service dealer outlets and the many and various services on offer.

Every manufacturer offers a year's guarantee on spares; they'll even extend this where major items are fitted in approved workshops. Volvo, for example, offers branded exchange engines,

gearboxes and axle differentials with a dealer-fitted price and three-year warranty. providing compressor and radiator are Al.

Because so many engines are still relatively new, service replacements aren't in place yet, so to avoid any confusion from mixing new and exchange short engine prices, we've omitted them from ourmajor item list.

Family connections

Manufacturers sharing designs, like ERF and MAN or Foden and DAF, have the advantage of being able to pick many parts from a common source so many prices are similar.

Most makes offer ZF's latest 16-speed Ecospkt gearbox but both pairings also fit common axles, suspension and disc brakes. ERF's ECT, Foden's Alpha and Seddon Atkinson's 16 offer Cummins' ISM motor, but instead of parity, engine-related items show considerable variance.

Service replacement prices will vary according to the type of fuel injection equipment and electronic systems used.

Cummins ISM engines are still comparatively new, and injector prices run from 2740 new to £249 for a service exchange. These cam-operated unit pump injectors with electronic timing control, are rather costly as are Mercedes' which links them into its Telligent system; Renault's Premium uses Common rail FIE with full electronic management.

Dats CF85 uses the much cheaper conventional exchange injectors which are priced at £183 per engine set but should the unit pumps need exchanging too, the price soars; you'll pay twice that for a single unit.

Daf, Foden, MAN, Mere, Renault, Scania and Volvo artics, even Iveco's striking new Stralis, all specify disc brakes only, although the EuroStar bucks the trend with a mix of front discs and rear drums. Depending on service frequencies, Foden, Iveco, Mercedes and Renault score best with fast moving service items.

Despite family ties, Daf's service parts package is over £200 more expen

sive than Foden's and it includes mud wings, fan belt and headlight assembl; plus the three engine filters (air, oil am fuel). Soania's filters are cheapest of all Apart from discovering that headligh bulbs range from Seddon's £4.95 Iveco's 115.13, there's a surprising ga; between the two Swedes' parts [rico packages. Indeed, the quick-moving ser vice spares tallies show that Volvo's bas ket costs nearly twice that of Scania's the three engine filters are nearly threi times as much.

Conclusions

Despite some distortion through thi presence of new parts prices among ser vice exchange there is still considerabli price variation. Indeed you could be for given for wondering just how the figure. are arrived at in the first place.

Fleets on contract maintenance an spared the worry over parts prices bu hauliers doing in-house maintenanci have to examine vehicle specs mon closely and search out oompetitivi spares sources.

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