Foden's 3000 tractor
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• Foden Trucks has further extended its 3000 Series truck range with the launch of a new S104, 28-32-tonne gross weight tractive unit, powered by the same 198kW (265hp) 8.3-litre charge-cooled Cummins C Series engine used in the 3265 six-wheel rigid (CM 16-22 February). Peak torque on the C series is 950 Nm (7001bft) at 1,500 rpm.
The 3.15m wheelbase S104 3000 tractive unit has a ninespeed Eaton Fuller 6109 synchromesh gearbox, Lipe clutch and Rockwell S160E drive axle, and is available with either a day or sleeper cab. Kerb weight for the day cab, with 20 litres of fuel but no fifth wheel, is quoted as 5,063kg. The sleeper cab option adds a further 60kg.
Foden sees the S104 3000 Series artic as a direct competitor to ERF's recently launched E8 tractive unit — powered by the same 6CTAA Cummins power unit — and is aiming it at the retail food distribution sector.
It has the same GRP composite and allow cab as the current 3000 Series multiwheelers, and is expected to make its UK show debut at IRTE, although orders for the vehicle are already being taken.
With 12.R22.5 tyres on the standard 4.1:1 rear axle, the S104 has a maximum geared speed of 113km/h (70mph).
The S104 3000 tractor is being launched in conjuction with the long-awaited twinsteer 4000 Series tractor, due to arrive shortly.
Foden sold 160 3000 Series rigids up to the end of February, but expects to increase sales with the launch of the new lightweight tractive unit. The company has also developed a full aerodynamic GRP cab deflector package featuring an external roof fairing extension and side deflectors, priced at £585, along with a revised polyethylene back-of-cab air intake for £175.
E Foden managing director Rod Heather says Foden Trucks will be entering the UK 17-tonne market, although a launch date has yet to be set.
A number of pre-production vehicles will be undergoing evaluation trials with customers, and results from these tests will decide the ultimate specification of the vehicle — although one power unit option is likely to be a Cummins engine.
Heather says Foden will soon also introduce the Perkins TX engine as an option in its 4000 Series tractive units. And he predicts the company will finish 1989 with an 8%-9% share of the UK heavy truck market at 24 tonnes and above.