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• A revised version of the 3000 Series tractor, a 24-tonne urban artic and a more "road friendly" version of its doubledrive FF20 rubber suspension are just three of the new products scheduled to emerge from Foden before the end of next year.
The 3000 Series middleweight range, which recently gained a narrower cab derived from the 17-tonne 2000 chassis, is to be further improved.
Although the Sandbach-based truck builder is giving little away, Commercial Motor understands that a new line-up will be launched in 1991 with revisions to the mechanicals and driveline, possibly with an alternative engine to the 198kW (265hp) Cummins C Series — currently the only power unit fitted in
3000 Series rigids and tractors.
As predicted, Foden has developed a 24-tonne GCW artic version of its 2000 Series 17tonner powered by the six-litre 157kW (210hp) Perkins Phaser. The urban tractor will officially break cover next year, although Foden's UK sales and service manager Brian Lomas says Foden is already "talking to two big customers, including one in the drinks trade".
Following EC suggestions on "road friendly" alternatives to air suspension. Foden will be revising its popular FF20 doubledrive bogie rubber suspension, fitted as standard on all its tippers. The EC wants the frequency of the sprung mass above the drive axle or bogie in a free transient vertical oscillation not to exceed 2Hz.
However, Foden's chief engineer John Gerrard says that there is still confusion over what will ultimately be agreed upon for road friendly bogie suspension by either the EC or the DTI:). The EC proposal is believed to be based on a single drive axle within a tandem bogie, with the result that double-drive bogies could be treated differently. The DTp is thought to favour a 2.3Hz limit.
Whatever the final specification, Gerrard insists that the FF20 will be revised: "Whatever happens we will have to have it up and running by the end of next year."
Although Foden has its own air-suspended double-drive bogie—developed from sister Paccar company Peterbilt —which would meet road friendly criteria, Paccar UK boss Rod Heather says that the FF20 rubber suspension is still favoured by operators for its lightness, durability and low maintenance.