MAN stands the test of time
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MAN has developed the TOM into a sound and functional truck, but so far the Germans have struggled to gain a foothold in the UK rigid marketplace.
Words: Kevin Swatiow
Figures from
— the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that in the first six months of 20111 MAN enjoyed a 4.4% share of the 18-tonne market, down from 7.6% during 12 months of trading in 2009, while at 26 tonnes, a market dominated by refuse vehicles, the Bavarians had a 6.8% market share, down from 8.9% gained throughout 2009.
Cold hard figures. though, don't explain why something is a success or not because, on the face of it. MAN's TGM range has everything going for it. Launched in 2006 and revamped in 2008, the current TOM is powered by a productive six-cylinder. 6.9-litre EGR Euro-5 engine delivering 247hp, 286hp and 335hp.
Transmission is a choice of a nine-speed manual or ZF Tipmatic overdrive 12-speed auto, and chassis include 13. 15, 18 and 26 tonnes. with 4x2, 4x4, 6x2 and 6x4 axle configurations.There are four cabs C. a day cab, L. a single-hunk sleeper cab, LX, a double-hunk sleeper, and Crewcab. seven-seater. Whee I bases for the 18-tonner range from 4,425 to 6.975mm, and for the 26-tonner from 4,425 to 5,775mm.
MAN enjoys strong product harmony, from its looks to the automated transmission.The only real difference is when you drop to 75 tonnes for the TGL, which is
noticeably smaller. Its driver can move across the cab with greater ease. and its power to weight ratio means there is greater acceleration.
CM drove two trucks: a TCIM 18.250 4x2 18-toriner with the sloping front Bevan21 box body, and a TGM 26.340 6x2 26-tonner with rear-steer axle and Aire box body.
The 18-tonner. with the L cab. 6.175mm wheelbase and 12-speed Tipmatic overdrive transmission, is the sort of bread-and-butter vehicle used by rental companies and own-account businesses.
Its power to weight ratio is ideal, allowing the driver to make good progress from a standing or rolling start, and it handles well while negotiating roundabouts. Much of this is down to the transmission. CM has been able to plot the advances made by Tipmatic since its inception and today it rates as one of the best gearboxes on the market, being equally well suited for tractor units and four-axle rigids.
Upgraded capacity
At 18 tonnes. it feels like it has three or four extra gears, but with Euro-5 it is important to keep the revs in the green hand and not working outside. It's worth remembering that the engine is only a 6.9-litre and to get between 247hp and 335hp and up to 1,250Nm torque from the twin-turbo unit, it is already working hard.
Twelve gears allow the drive to remain in the economy band in any circumstances, and considering that just 5% of operators take up the nine-speed manual. it seems buyers agree.
At 26 tonnes. the 12-speed appears better suited because the vehicle is eight tonnes heavier and it needs most of the gears from seventh upwards to help maintain its smooth progress. although the 335hp engine also helps.
also has the L sleeper cab, which is approximately 170kg heavier than the C day cab. and 65kg lighter than the LX cab. '[lie interior offers plenty of room and there is storage over the windscreen, under the bunk and via outside lockers. •