ERF's new Chinese six
Page 14
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• ERF is now offering a Chinese six E6 rigid conversion based on its current Cumminspowered 16-tonner. The new 6x2 is intended to help distribution and multi-drop operators to overcome front axle overloading problems on conventional two-axle rigids.
The twin-steer E6 conversion is carried out by ERF's Middlewich service centre using components covered by the 12-month/100,000km factory warranty.
The conversion involves the addition of a second, positively-steered leaf sprung axle rated at 6,100kg, along with all the necessary modifications to the braking system to comply with type approval.
ERF is offering its Chinese six rigid option on any current E6 model with day or sleeper cabs on wheelbases ranging up to 5.8m long.
The Sandbach manufacturer will not reveal the full price of its conversion but says it is competitive with a non-factory converted truck. This places it in a price range of 22,50023,000.
The first operator to take delivery of an E6 Chinese six is Kent-based straw merchant TW Foragers. Hated at 20 tonnes GVW, with an 8.84m body, the Forages 6x2 has a kerbweight of 7,200kg with a driver and 273lit of fuel on board, allowing a payload of up to 13,000kg.
CI ERF says that a number of food distributors have already expressed interest in its dropframe E6 16-tonner which is expected to go into full production in May. The dropframe E6 was first shown at last year's motor show and has all the standard features of a normal height chassis cab, but with a frame height of only 580mm. Unlike many non-factory converted drop frames the ERF model uses single piece sidemembers.