All four MAN cub
Page 18
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
by Bryan Jarvis • There's a new four-wheeldrive kid on the block these days in the shape of MAN's 155hp (114kW) L2000 4x4.
Two versions are offered, at 7.5 and 10.0 tonnes GIANT, and they complement MAN's heavier SAK 17 tonne 4x4.
Operators wanting more power for towing with the L2000s can opt for a 210hp (156kw) straight-six engine and there's a choice of heavy-duty batteries,alternator and compressor too. We've sampled the 10.153 LAEC 4x4 and it seems as capable a machine as any other off-roader in its class, which is probably why the German border police are using them in large numbers.
Launched on the Continent late last year,it takes over from the old G90 4x4, some examples of which were taken by Scottish power companies.
Thirty years ago the UK allwheel-drive scene was dominated by Land Rovers, Bedfords and converted ex-army vehicles: not any more—today's 4x4s are virtually off-the-peg civilianspec trucks.
Cabs are quite comfortable and accessible; heaters can be accurately controlled. Many run in permanent four-wheel drive and most have much more supple chassis and cab suspension than their predecessors.
MAN's latest 4x4s will be competing in a relatively small market sector against contenders from Bedford, Foden, lveco Ford, Leyland Daf, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Volvo.
Impressions
Jump in the cab and it looks like any other L2000, but a swivelling bottom step is added to cope with 325mm extra height.
There are just three extra switches—two diff locks and a high/low reduction button—and MAN advises drivers to stop before using them.
There's plenty of beef in the 10.155's 155hp charge-cooled four-potter and at 10 tonnes GVW the 11.5kWitonne powerto-weight ratio is way above the norm for this class.
MAN offers a choice of five or six-speed ZF boxes. Our vehicle had permanent 4WD but the standard transfer box has manual selection for front-wheel drive.
There's full-air, dual-circuit wedge brakes and MAN fits drums all round to these offroaders. The suspension is unchanged, comprising threeleaf parabolics with a horn-like helper spring under them and anti-roll bars front and rear.
Wheelbases are 2.91m, 3.26m and 3.56m and there's around 350mm of clearance under the diff casings. Approach and departure angles are 32° front and 26° rear.
Some utilities with heavy offroad requirements might prefer the low-ground-pressure 365/80R 20in tubed singles fitted front and rear on our test truck but 19.5in twins will suffice for field work.
Our 3.26m 10-tonner had a shallow Zeppelin dropsided body with a central tube under it for holding a tow bar. Finished in desert khaki drab for a Middle East sales tour, it looked distinctly alien in deepest Surrey, but it felt right at home when clambering up 1-in3 (33%) woodland tracks or trundling through the boggy woodlands that span the Bagshot proving ground.
Our only worry was the disturbing lack of an exhaust brake. You might not need one on desert patrols but for steep rubble-strewn descents it's a serious omission.
Loaded to around 8.0 tonnes the MAN pulled vigorously up the steep tracks, holding 2,000rpm in firstgear/normal drive. In low reduction with diff-locks engaged it simply strolled up in second at around 1,500rpm.
Heavy rain preceded our test drive and provided some heavy going—but not enough to deter the 4x4 MAN. Its steering angles are about on a par with the Foden 4x4's 48° and it manoeuvres extremely well. At the same time the suspension provides plenty of articulation, enabling it to clamber over hummocks and rifts in the ground.
MAN's 10.153 4x4s are a tidy addition to its L2000 range and are very capable performers. They're not cheap at £43,332 and £46,367 for the 7.5 and 10tonners respectively, but if you need to haul a 5.0-tonne payload across rough terrain,this could be the machine for you.