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Ford DA2818
Page 74
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Hard work
THE Ford DA 2818 artic represented an interesting alternative to the 32-ton machine for carrying a 20ton payload. Grossing 28 tons, the Ford was powered by the 8.3-litre (506cuin) Cummins V8 which developed 127kW (170bhp) — legal but only just at 6.07bhp /ton.
Frequent use of the eightspeed synchromesh gearbox was necessary to maintain a decent pace on anything but perfectly flat roads. On several sections of the Scottish route, the Ford found itself very breathless notably on the arduous A68 section. Overall the Ford achieved 43.5 lit/100km (6.5mpg) but at the very slow average speed of 59km / h (36.8mph).
If the D-series is to be considered as an alternative to a full-blown 32-tonner, then the type of road on which it will be used becomes the overriding factor. Certainly on our route, it was stretched to its limit.