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Runni g on auto
Page 72
Page 73
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This week's Product Focus looks at tvvo big hitters: the new generation Volvo FH 12 with automated I-Shift transmission, and that semi-auto gearbox pioneer, the Mercedes-Benz Actros.
Vehicle: Volvo FH12 460 Globetrotter XL Tested: 27 February 2003 Specifications Engine: Volvo D12D 460 (Euro-3) fourstroke, overhead camshaft, chargecooled, DI turbo-diesel with electronic diesel control Maximum power: 460hp (343kW) at 1,500-1,900rpm Maximum torque: 2,200Nm (1,623Ibft) at 1,050-1,450rpm Transmission: Volvo 12-speed fullyautomated I-shift direct-top gearbox Terms of warranty: Two years unlimited distance with optional third year Weight as tested: 44,000kg, including 8,115kg tractor, 7,000kg trailer and 28,885kg payload Operational trial results (Scottish three-day route) Average speed: 74.6km/h (46.3mph) Fuel consumption: 7.05mpg (40.71it/100km) Price when tested: £91,974 (ex-VAT) with blind spot mirror, £53; air kit, £1,388; and Dynafleet, £3,694
The lowdown
We admit that we've taken a pretty jaundiced view when it's come to automated heavy truck transmissions. However,Volvo has finally produced the 'point-and-shoot' auto that truck manufacturers have previously threatened but never quite delivered. I-Shift really can think for itseltand the speed with which it adjusts to the terrain is little short of astounding.
The!' means it's more than just intelligent —it's idiot proof. In a fleet it has the potential to end the wild variations in fuel returns between your drivers, no matter who's behind the wheel. I-Shift sitting behind the latest D12D 460 engine you've got a very driveable truck that's totally on top of the job with excellent torque characteristics and good journey times.
Admittedly the big Swede's fuel consumption isn't record-breaking; neither was its Euro-2 predecessor's. But if you don't need 44 tonnes it can only get better, and we were also pleasantly surprised by the FH's kerbweight.
With driver retention reaching crisis point, a Volvo FH12-460 Globetrotter with I-Shift could be your trump card.
Vehicle: Mercedes-Benz Actros 2546LS with Megaspace cab Tested: 20 March 2003 Specifications Engine: MB 0M501LA chargecooled, DI, charge-cooled, V6 turbo-diesel Power: 456hp (335kW) at 1,80Orpm Torque: 2,200Nm (1.623) at 1,08Orpm Transmission: MB G211-16 16-speed synchromesh rangechange with splitter and Telligent electronic gearshift with preselection Terms of warranty: Two years' R&M with option of third year, with service intervals at 120,000km Weight as tested: 44,000kg, including 8,600kg tractor, 7,000kg trailer and 28,400kg payload Operational trial results (Scottish three-day route) Average speed: 71.9km/h (44.7mph) Fuel consumption: 7.10mpg (39.81it/100km) Price when tested: £72,326 (ex-VAT), includes Sat-Nav, £2,354; alloy wheels, £1,882; air kit, £1,195; metallic paint, £1,035; remote locking with electric windows, £535; swivelling passenger seat, £424; air horn, £306; lsringhausen driver's seat, £424.
The lowdown
The old fuel figures heading up towards the magical 8mpg seem just a memory when driving today's Euro-3 44-tormers. It's all too easy to look at 7.1mpg and suck your teeth without considering the power and performance produced by this 2546LS tractor. The ride was textbook, and it powered through the severe gradients, making light work of some fearsome hi Ilclimbs.
The driveline is smooth and easy, allowing the driver to sit back and relax. No driver will hound his boss if he's offered an Actros. But the bottom line, as always, is the fuel figure.
Only time will tell reveal how good this figure really is, but then any operator worth his salt will know exactly what to expect from a 2546LS working his routes. •